Assistant Manager - Taxation

Apparel Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Apparel Group is seeking a VAT Specialist to oversee compliance and advisory tasks across GCC countries. In this role, you will prepare VAT returns, review tax implications of business transactions, and coordinate with auditors regarding VAT audits.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s in a related field and professional qualifications like CA or ACCA, coupled with at least five years' experience in indirect tax, especially within a multinational or Big 4 environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Professional qualification such as Chartered Accountant (CA) preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in indirect taxation required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit VAT returns and filings across GCC.
• Provide indirect tax advisory to business units.
• Coordinate responses to VAT audits and inquiries.
• Review and strengthen indirect tax controls.

Skills

GCC VAT knowledge

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Professional qualification (CA, ACCA, CPA, CMA)

Tools

ERP systems (Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics)

Job description

Prepare, review, and submit VAT returns and related filings across GCC countries.

Ensure timely VAT registrations, deregistrations, and ongoing compliance with local tax regulations.

Maintain accurate VAT records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for audits and inspections.

Monitor VAT obligations and ensure adherence to statutory timelines and reporting requirements.

2. Indirect Tax Advisory & Business Support

Provide VAT guidance to business units on transactions, pricing, contracts, and new initiatives.

Review customer and supplier agreements from an indirect tax perspective.

Assess VAT implications of cross-border transactions and intercompany arrangements.

Support implementation of tax-efficient processes while ensuring full regulatory compliance.

3. Audit, Authority Liaison & Risk Management

Coordinate responses to VAT audits, assessments, and tax authority inquiries.

Liaise with external consultants, auditors, and regulatory bodies on indirect tax matters.

Prepare reconciliations, explanations, and documentation required for tax reviews.

Identify VAT risks and support corrective and preventive action plans.

4. Process Improvement, Systems & Controls

Review and strengthen indirect tax controls and compliance procedures.

Support ERP and finance system enhancements related to VAT configuration and reporting.

Assist in automation and digital initiatives within the tax function.

Track changes in GCC VAT regulations and support implementation of regulatory updates.

Qualifications & Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Taxation, or related field.

Professional qualification such as Chartered Accountant (CA) preferred; ACCA / CPA / CMA is an advantage.

Minimum 5 years of experience in indirect taxation with strong hands-on exposure to GCC VAT.

Experience working in a multinational company, tax consultancy, Big 4 firm, or large corporate environment preferred.

Strong understanding of GCC VAT legislation and indirect tax principles.

Excellent analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills.

Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or tax platforms.