Senior Tax Specialist

SUMMARY:
The role’s primary purpose is to ensure tax compliance for our client, with a specific emphasis on indirect taxes.
This includes fulfilling tax reporting requirements and enhancing the organization’s value through effective tax risk management, in alignment with our clients’ tax strategy.
As the Senior Tax Specialist (Indirect Tax), you will be crucial in managing and executing a range of tax-related functions, such as tax projects, tax accounting and reporting, compliance, audits, and risk mitigation.
Your expertise will play a key role in our financial success and regulatory compliance within a constantly evolving landscape.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities:
Tax Processes, Planning and Projects

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Group' global tax processes and policies.
• Provide guidance on the tax implications of business decisions and transactions, ensuring alignment with the company's overall objectives.
• Provide support to the Group in respect of ad hoc tax planning projects allocated by the Group Tax Manager.
• Manage a variety of tax projects aimed at optimizing our tax position, mitigating risks, and enhancing tax efficiency.
• Support project teams in meeting project timelines.
• Review billing of service providers, law firms and audit firms by scrutinizing the invoice support to ensure that billing is accurate & within agreed scope and budget.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide expert advice on tax related matters, to ensure alignment with business objectives and strategic goals.

• Undertake VAT and other tax reconciliations, advising on adjustments and financial impact and supporting the financial accounting teams in their monthly close process
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and tax regulations while providing insights into tax implications on financial statements.
• Assist in tax audits and collaborate with tax authorities and external advisors across various countries.
• Ensure timely processing of VAT payments/refunds.
• Participate in automation projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Engaging local auditors and external service providers on tax accounting calculations and tax reporting positions.

• Prepare, Review and co-ordinate the preparation of Withholding Tax declaration across the group operations ensuring timely and accurate filing.
• Prepare, review and co-ordinate VAT returns, and other VAT-related reports across multiple jurisdictions in the Africa, UK and Europe ensuring accurate and timely filing.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of local and international tax laws and regulations.
• Assist in tax registrations for new entities.
• Accurately prepare and file required tax returns in a timely manner
• Review tax provision and tax compliance process
• Prepare all tax papers on a regular basis
• Respond to all information data requests
• Consult with relevant internal departments to ensure all filings are conducted accurately and timeously
• Ensure that all direct taxes (including company tax, payroll etc.) and indirect taxes (including VAT, SDL etc.) are filed within the relevant timeframes
• Prepare and review complex tax returns, including income tax, VAT/GST, and other indirect taxes.
• Maintain tax balances on the general ledger
• Assist in the preparation transfer pricing master and local files, maintenance of TP documentation, filing returns
• Implement and co-ordinate transfer pricing process in keeping with TP Policy
• Identify and mitigate tax risk
• Undertake and co-ordinate tax due diligence and health checks.
• Identify any potential areas of tax risk and mitigations in relation to existing or planned in-country operations and/or new product initiatives.
• Implement internal controls and processes to ensure accurate tax calculations, compliance, and reporting.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to align tax practices with regulatory requirements.
• Manage tax audits
• Manage tax audits by coordinating information requests, consulting with tax authorities and providing the necessary documentation and analysis to support our clients tax positions. (Complete schedules, etc.)
• Ensure effective communication with internal and external stakeholders and resolution of audit matters.

• Supervise and mentor junior tax team members, fostering their professional growth and development.
• Provide guidance and training on tax to ensure staff effectiveness and growth.
• Keep abreast of developments and changes in tax regulations and inform/update business.
• Communicate complex tax concepts in a clear and concise manner to non-tax professionals.

• Experience in a tax role (5 years)
• VAT and indirect taxes experience essential (3 years)
• Experience in supervising/leading a team (3 years)
• Experience in a multinational organisation, accounting firm, or financial , fintech institution. Preferably in Africa (5 years)
• Experience in managing tax projects, tax audits, and providing tax advice (3 years)
• Knowledge of Corporate Tax and VAT legislation, including VAT apportionment.
• Knowledge of global tax regulations with focus on Africa, accounting standards (IFRS), and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of all types of tax returns.
• Proficiency in tax software, financial systems, and Microsoft Office suite.
• Knowledge of international tax and complex transfer pricing.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to analyse complex tax issues and provide practical solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities to support staff.
• Ability to adapt to changing regulations and business environments while maintaining a proactive and solutions-oriented approach.

• Post Graduate Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, Tax Chartered Accountant (Preferred)
• Registered tax practitioner/professional tax certification - Preferred
• VAT Certification