Job Title: Intern
Service Line / Team: Tax Advisory Services
Location: Dubai
We at BDO in UAE are a diverse group of individuals from many cultures, and we share a common ambition: to make a difference and be the spontaneous choice in the industry. We have an excellent Partner–to–staff ratio and an encouraging gender ratio, giving you more flexibility and high priority on mentorship and professional development.
At BDO, we understand that being the leader in exceptional client service begins – and ends – with exceptional regard for our people. Relationships matter in our work and interactions with clients and how we work and interact with each other. What differentiates BDO as an employer is our focus on relationships.
We are seeking a motivated VAT Intern to support the VAT team with compliance, reporting, research and day-to-day tax activities. The role provides practical exposure to UAE VAT legislation, tax documentation, reconciliations, VAT return and refund processes, and client service in a professional advisory environment.
Your opportunity
- Support the VAT team in delivering high-quality VAT compliance services across a diverse portfolio of clients spanning multiple sectors, including Financial Services, Real Estate, FMCG and Hospitality.
- Research UAE VAT legislation, FTA public clarifications, Cabinet decisions and Ministerial decisions to assist the team on VAT matters.
- Monitor recent VAT developments and assist in assessing their potential impact on client matters.
- Assist senior team members in preparing VAT return workings, VAT reconciliations and VAT refund applications.
- Review accounting records and supporting documents, including tax invoices, tax credit notes, import documentation and general ledger data, to identify VAT treatment and documentation issues.
- Assist with VAT registration, deregistration and amendment applications, as well as other FTA portal requests and correspondence.
- Maintain complete and organised VAT working papers, records, trackers, documentation and supporting files in accordance with the firm’s quality standards.
- Support the team on voluntary disclosures, reconsideration-related work and other compliance matters, including preparing supporting documentation and draft responses.
- Coordinate with engagement teams and, under supervision, follow up on client information and clarify data requirements to support timely delivery.
- Assist with engagement administration, including monitoring deadlines, updating internal trackers and recording time accurately.
- Participate in technical training and development sessions conducted by the VAT team to build knowledge of UAE VAT legislation, compliance requirements and advisory practices.
- Adhere to applicable professional ethics standards and uphold the firm's values of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality and professional independence in every client engagement.
- Support the completion of Know Your Client (KYC), conflict checks and other onboarding or risk-compliance procedures in accordance with the firm's policies and applicable requirements.
- Handle client and firm information securely and comply with applicable confidentiality, data protection and information security requirements.
Key attributes
- Basic knowledge of UAE VAT legislation and Executive Regulations.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to work confidently with numerical and financial information.
- Willingness to learn and work in a fast-paced professional environment.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Good written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic language proficiency is an advantage.
- Ability to organise work, manage priorities and meet agreed deadlines.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a team and maintain a professional, client-service mindset.
- Sound awareness of professional ethics obligations, including independence, conflicts of interest and confidentiality.
Key qualification & experience
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Law or a related discipline from a recognised institution.
- Basic understanding of accounting principles, financial records and VAT concepts.
- Previous internship, academic project or practical experience in tax, accounting or a related field is an advantage.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft 365 applications; familiarity with formulas, lookups, pivot tables and data handling is an advantage.
- Progress towards a relevant professional qualification, such as ACCA, ACA, CPA or an equivalent qualification, is an advantage but not mandatory.
How to join us
We seek people who are driven and who work towards the best interest of the Team and the Firm – passionate professionals who are keen to develop lasting relationships, both internally and with our clients.
Please send in your detailed resume by clicking the below link. If you are successful in your application, one of our resourcing teams will contact you to discuss the next steps.
APPLY HERE