Location: Nottingham

Contract: Full-time (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday)

Salary: Competitive starting salary with increases at key milestones to qualification.

Reports to: Tax Manager

Interested in working in tax, but not sure whether accounting is something that excites you? VAT could be exactly what you're looking for! VAT is a complex tax driven by legislation and case law, making it a perfect fit for those with an interest in law and analytical thinking. For example, did you know that while marshmallows are subject to VAT, a tribunal ruled that s’mores are zero-rated because they must be prepared before eating, classifying them as cooking ingredients? This is just one quirky example of how legal interpretation plays a key role in VAT.

Whether you have recently graduated or are about to graduate and are exploring options for the future, or you are looking to change your career and embark on new challenges, our Indirect Tax Graduate Scheme is your first step into a fulfilling career with significant earning potential. No previous accounting experience or maths-related degree is required!

Our Indirect Tax Graduate Scheme will equip you with the skills you need to reach your potential and become an expert in this specialist area. Previous graduates have gone on to achieve incredible success at PKF Smith Cooper – our Managing Partner started out at the company as a graduate! With our support and development opportunities, there are no limits to what you can achieve if you prove yourself capable.

At PKF Smith Cooper, a fun and inclusive culture is a priority, not an afterthought. Regular social events across our offices give our team members opportunities to get to know each other beyond their job roles. We also have a variety of committees, like our Values Committee and our Mental Health Committee, where you can get involved and be part of shaping the future of life at our firm.

For a varied and fulfilling career with significant earning potential, apply to join our Indirect Tax Graduate Scheme today.

Job description

As a graduate member of our Indirect Tax department, you will join us on an ATT/CTA training pathway. You will develop specialist knowledge of VAT, customs duties, and other indirect taxes to provide our clients with expert advice and guidance.

Supporting our clients will involve finding solutions to indirect tax-related issues that will minimise their liabilities and ensure compliance with UK and international regulations.

The training we provide will make sure you stay at the forefront of the tax profession. Learning opportunities within this role are ongoing, as you develop your knowledge of the ever-changing tax landscape to find solutions that help our clients succeed.

You will have the chance to gain a deep understanding of a variety of businesses across different sectors – from nationals to start-ups.

A successful career in indirect tax requires a unique blend of technical expertise, analytical thinking and people skills. Our Indirect Tax Graduate Scheme will develop your abilities in these key areas, as you build your theoretical knowledge through studying and develop practical skills through on-the-job training.

You will work in a collaborative environment, engage with diverse clients and contribute to the development of ethical and sustainable financial practices in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

You’ll be equipped with valuable technical skills, broad commercial understanding, and in-depth knowledge of different industry sectors to help you achieve a Tax Advisor qualification.

Click here to learn more about our Tax services.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with indirect tax team members on a range of client projects, assisting in VAT and customs research, planning, and compliance activities
• Participate in the preparation and review of VAT returns and indirect tax filings, ensuring accuracy and adherence to regulations
• Analyse financial data and transactions to identify potential tax-saving opportunities and offer tailored recommendations
• Support the creation of comprehensive indirect tax strategies that align with clients' business objectives and regulatory frameworks
• Engage in client meetings to gather necessary information, explain tax concepts, and address inquiries professionally
• Stay updated on changes in VAT and customs laws and apply this knowledge to ensure clients' compliance and optimise their tax positions
• Contribute to the development of client presentations, reports, and proposals related to indirect tax planning and consulting services

Training and development

On our Indirect Tax Graduate Scheme, you will benefit from exposure to a wide range of work with businesses of all sizes, many of them local to our offices.

Our partners take a direct interest in the development and progression of our graduates. We aim to equip every graduate with the skills they need to become a future leader – our Managing Partner started out at PKF Smith Cooper as a graduate himself, so who knows what you could achieve through our graduate scheme!

As an ICAEW, ATT and CTA Approved Training Employer, we are recognised for our high-quality training and development.

Your skills and qualities: 

• Any degree at 2:1 or above, with a strong academic record at A Level and GCSE. 
• A genuine interest in pursuing a career in Tax. 
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities. 
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. 
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work. 
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and adapt to changing priorities. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is beneficial. 
• Although a driving licence and car isn’t a requirement, it will be highly beneficial as you will need to travel to our different client sites. 
• No prior experience required. 

Why PKF Smith Cooper? 

PKF Smith Cooper is the 12th largest accounting firm by UK fee income (Accountancy Age Top 50+50) and a member of global network PKF Global. Through PKF, we operate in unison with member firms in 150 countries to share ideas, expertise and specialist resources for the benefit of our team and clients. 

Our team of award-winning accountants and business advisors plans to double the size of our company within the next 5 years. As a fast-growing firm and accredited ICAEW and ACCA Approved Training Employer, we are passionate about developing ‘homegrown talent’. We can help you achieve your potential through our comprehensive training, development, and progression programme. 

We aim to equip every graduate with the skills to become a future leader – our very own managing partner started at PKF Smith Cooper as a graduate, so who knows what you could achieve through our graduate scheme! 

Why Nottingham?

In the heart of the bustling city, our Nottingham office, refurbished in 2023, is a modern and collaborative space. Some of the city’s best cafes and restaurants are on our doorstep, and we’re close to several public transport links, making the office easily accessible.

What's in it for you? 

Our benefits package has been shaped by our values and our people. Here are some of the perks you can expect as part of Team PKF Smith Cooper: 

• A working environment that empowers you to perform at your best through our flexible working policy (subject to manager discretion) and dress for your diary scheme. 
• Time to do what matters to you – 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, the chance to purchase additional annual leave and your birthday off, on us.  
• Prize draws 4 times a year to reward those who embrace our company values – win a spa day, AirPods or even a trip to Paris! 
• A busy social calendar of team events, office activities and committees. From our monthly book club and Mental Health Committee to our legendary summer parties, there are lots of opportunities to get to know people away from your desk. 
• Life doesn’t stop at the end of the working day and neither do our benefits. We offer life assurance, healthcare cashback and discounts on gym memberships and popular retailers including Tesco, River Island and Expedia. 
• Free personal finance and mortgage advice from our financial planning experts. 
• Travel the world with PKF One Week More, which allows you to extend your holiday with a week of working abroad, and secondment opportunities in PKF offices worldwide. 

How to apply 

Apply now if you believe you have what we are looking for! Even if you do not tick 100% of the boxes, we encourage you to apply. 

If you have any questions, please contact a member of the People team by emailing careers@pkfsmithcooper.com or calling 01332 332021.  

Work in recruitment? We only accept CVs from our partnered agencies and any unsolicited CVs will be ignored. If you would like to partner with us in the future, get in touch with our People team via the contact details above.