Course Details

This session focuses on key areas of VAT that are important to the accounts payable function. VAT errors can lead to underpaid tax, lost input tax recovery, penalties and interest, so it is important that those handling supplier invoices know what to check and when to escalate issues. By attending, delegates will understand the basics of the VAT system, recognise common risks in accounts payable, and improve the accuracy and value of VAT compliance for their organisation, practice or clients.


In this session Edd Thompson will cover the following topics:


  • How VAT works in practice, including the key principles, rates of VAT and exemption.
  • Why accuracy matters and how to correct errors when they happen, including the risk of penalties and interest where VAT is accounted for incorrectly.
  • The conditions for recovering VAT, including when input tax can and cannot be reclaimed.
  • Common issues with expenses including blocked VAT recovery, entertainment and cars
  • International VAT basics when buying in goods and services from outside the UK


By attending this session, delegates will understand the core VAT principles relevant to the accounts payable function, be able to identify the main VAT rates and exemptions, know the conditions for VAT recovery, recognise what makes a valid VAT invoice, and spot common high-risk areas such as entertainment, cars, expenses, international VAT and error correction.


The session will primarily be of interest to accounts payable staff, finance assistants, bookkeepers, finance managers and anyone involved in processing supplier invoices or employee expenses. It will also be useful for accountants and advisers who support clients with VAT compliance and want to understand the practical issues faced by AP teams.



Course level: Foundation.


(This is an entry-level session providing a practical introduction to VAT for accounts payable staff, with enough technical context to help delegates identify common risks and know when to seek further advice)

CPD Course Speaker

VATskills Ltd

Edd Thompson

Edd is a specialist VAT trainer and VAT adviser. He is both a chartered tax adviser and chartered accountant.

Edd was previously Head of Indirect Taxes for Tolley, a leading provider of tax research in the UK. He trained in VAT with a top 10 accountancy practice and returned to the world of VAT following his time at Tolley. He has also been seconded to the in-house VAT function of a large North American head quartered bank.

Edd splits his time between his training business VATskills and advising clients as VAT Director of Cubed Tax.

Edd has taught on both ATT and CTA qualifications and has lectured for professional bodies.

He has written for many of the leading VAT and tax publications including De Voil Indirect Tax Service, Tolley’s Value Added Tax, Tax Journal, Taxation Magazine and Tax Adviser.