Robertson Bell is exclusively partnering with the British Medical Association (BMA) in their search for a Group VAT Accountant to join their team on a permanent basis. The BMA is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK. They represent, support and negotiate on behalf of all UK doctors and medical students.
Reporting into the Group Financial Controller, the Group VAT Accountant will be responsible for ensuring that the BMA Group (BMA and BMJPG) properly accounts for VAT and meets their statutory return, including overseas equivalents. You will proactively ensure that the finance systems and internal processes across the group are compliant and will manage relationships with external advisors and HMRC, as the organisation’s VAT Subject Matter Expert.
The organisation:
Founded in 1832 as a member-run and led organisation, the BMA champions the rights and interests of the medical profession, negotiates doctors' contracts, and advocates for public health improvements. As of August 2024, the BMA boasted a record-breaking membership of over 195,000.
Beyond national representation, the BMA is expanding its international reach by supporting global health initiatives, such as the Health Information for All (HIFA) campaign, which aims to provide accessible healthcare information worldwide. Through these efforts, the BMA continues to influence healthcare policy both within the UK and globally, and this Group VAT Accountant will be critical to supporting the continued development of their international reach.
The key duties of the role are as follows:
- Responsible for submission of accurate and timely statutory VAT returns (and international equivalents) for the Group.
- Prepare balance sheet reconciliations on a regular basis that supports the VAT return submission.
- Undertake annual reviews of the VAT position, including any exemptions applied during the year.
- Proactively ensure that the finance systems and internal processes across the Group are compliant with the required tax legislation and remain alert to any future changes.
- Proactively manage the relationship with external advisors and HMRC.
- Liaise with Group Auditors, providing support and information for financial audits, preparation of financial statements and other requests.
- Compile and communicate appropriate tax guidance and training wherever needed within the group, liaising with external advisors as necessary.
- Provide non-finance managers with insight, creativity and support whilst new business proposals are developed for proposed new income streams
To be successful as a Group VAT Accountant you'll ideally have:
- Accounting Qualification (CCAB) (essential)
- Significant experience in VAT within a commercial organisation (essential)
- Previous experience of working in a VAT compliance role (essential)
- Knowledge of applying VAT law and how it affects corporations.
- Knowledge and understanding of UK, EU and global VAT compliance issues
- Good relationship building and management skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- High attention to detail, accuracy and data analysis skills
The deadline for applications is on Sunday 22nd June, with first stage interviews due to take place the week commencing 7th July. Applications will be under continuous review before this closing date so please do not delay in applying.
Join the BMA at a crucial time for doctors and the NHS and be part of a team working for better pay and conditions for the profession!
Non Charity Employer 
501 - 1000
Thank you!
East End Homes are partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in their search for a permanent Financial Controller. East End Homes, is a locally based and community-led housing association in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. This year East End Homes is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In 2005 residents of five estates across Tower Hamlets voted for their homes and communities to be transferred to the newly established social landlord. Today, its 120-strong team manages over 3,900 homes with local offices in each neighbourhood.
The newly created Financial Controller position offers a rare opportunity for a technically strong, ambitious, and commercially aware finance professional to play a key role in reshaping East End’s finance function and influencing decision-making at a senior level. The Financial Controller will be a member of the Senior Management Team and this role is seen as a natural stepping stone toward Finance Director level within the sector.
The Role:
- Work closely with the Finance Director and Executive Team to support strategic planning and organisational transformation.
- Oversee the development and delivery of Eastend Homes’ long-term financial plans, annual budgets, and business modelling (including BRIXX).
- Deliver and embed a proactive finance business partnering approach across the organisation, influencing decision-making and performance management.
- Drive improvements to financial reporting, insight, and analysis, delivering value across the organisation.
- Coordinate the production of our financial plans and reports including monthly management accounts, the annual statutory accounts, forecasts and the budget.
- Oversee day-to-day financial operations, ensuring sound internal controls, process improvement, and compliance with relevant regulations (FRS102, SORP, RSH).
- Manage cash flow forecasting, covenant compliance, and other treasury responsibilities, with support available for professional treasury qualifications if desired.
- Play a leading role in mentoring, developing, and embedding a high-performing, collaborative finance team (c.3–4 staff).
- Actively contribute to the Senior Management Team and support wider change initiatives across the business.
The Organisation:
East End Homes has made significant progress in stabilising its operations and strengthening its governance. With the appointment of a highly experienced new CEO and completion of key commitments to the Regulator of Social Housing, the organisation is now focused on long-term sustainability, performance improvement, and resident impact. The recent appointment of an Interim FD has brought further structure and capability to the finance function, and this Financial Controller hire will be a cornerstone of building a modern, resilient, and insight-led finance team.
Person Specification – Essential:
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA).
- Strong technical knowledge of financial and statutory reporting including FRS102 and Housing SORP.
- Demonstrable experience in social housing finance including business planning, management accounting and regulatory compliance.
- Experience of delivering improvements in management reporting, financial controls, and/or business partnering.
- A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and a track record of engaging with and challenging senior stakeholders.
- Digitally confident with strong Excel skills and familiarity with financial planning tools (e.g., BRIXX).
- Forward-thinking and inquisitive, with a continuous improvement mindset and strong problem-solving ability.
- Experience of coaching or leading teams and ability to develop others.
This role will be based at East End Homes’ head office in Tower Hamlets, with travel between estate-based local offices as required. The closing date for applications is 6th July with interviews taking place week commencing 21st July (first stage) and final interviews scheduled for week commencing 28th July.
Applications will be reviewed continuously before the closing date. Please apply via our exclusive search partner Robertson Bell.