Explore your true potential with a career in tax

If you’re a resilient, analytical problem-solver, it’s time to consider a new role as a VAT advisor at KPMG. We’re looking for people to join us in permanent positions around the country and will provide intensive training to prepare you for the job, even if you come from a completely different background.

Our 10-week VAT Academy allows you to learn the technical aspects of our work and prepares you to hit the ground running. You just need to demonstrate you can bring useful skills and the right attitude, along with the ability to analyse information, communicate effectively and manage relationships with stakeholders.

There are great opportunities for progression. Many former Academy entrants are now working as Managers or Senior Managers in VAT teams, overseeing advisory work for multinational businesses and household names.

Why choose a tax career at KPMG?

We have one of the largest Indirect Tax practices in the UK and provide support to clients in everything from VAT and Customs duties through to environmental taxes. With 13 partners and 186 people in the team, we’re growing fast and have specialists in a range of sectors. You’ll join us as part of small cohort, where you’ll get to know your colleagues in the VAT Academy and benefit from mutual support, as well as the wider guidance and support offered by the firm as well as your particular team.

How does our VAT academy work?

As this programme is preparing you for an important role in what is likely to be a new discipline, we’ve built our Academy to give you an intensive, structured introduction to VAT. It’s delivered through a mix of in-person training, videos, reading and live discussion.   

In the 10-week period before you take up your permanent place in the team, you’ll receive training on the technical and practical things you need to know for your new role, spending two days a week in your local office and the remaining time learning remotely at home. You’ll also typically spend the initial week, fifth week and final week of the Academy in our offices in London or Watford. These face-to-face sessions offer a great opportunity to get to know other participants over coffee and lunch.

Our aim is to give you a rounded understanding of VAT, as well as training in finance, risk processes and technology. You will have the opportunity to participate in half-day and full-day case studies of work with real clients, helping you to put your study into practice. We’ll also support you with softer skills, such as technical writing and time management.

What does VAT role entail?

Once you’ve completed the intensive Academy programme, you’ll be helping to maintain and develop relationships with our clients – who will range from individuals and start-ups to major multinationals. You’ll offer advice on a broad range of issues, conducting technical analyses, carrying out finance and risk procedures and delivering innovative solutions. You will get involved in business development and sales support too. Our senior managers, directors and partners will provide you with all the backing you need to achieve your full potential and you’ll benefit from technical training and the support of an allocated ‘buddy’.

Who exactly we are looking for?

There are no set expectations regarding the type of work you’re doing now, except that we would expect you to be working in a professional environment. Perhaps you’re currently in sales or research? Maybe you have a finance or legal background? But you might equally have gained valuable skills as, say, a teacher or member of the armed forces. As you can see, we are very open minded and more interested in your attitude, aptitude and potential.

A good standard of written and spoken English is essential. This programme is not aimed at recent graduates, but if you can demonstrate that you’ve previously studied for a qualification – perhaps combining it with work – that would be a definite advantage.

If you’re interested in a change of direction and feel you have the strengths and attributes to make the most of our Academy opportunity, then please apply today. We will ask shortlisted candidates to attend an assessment centre in July/August, with the aim of making offers in August and launching the Academy in October 2024.