Senior Tax Specialist

Michael Page; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading diversified group in Dubai is seeking a Senior Tax Specialist to focus on UAE VAT compliance and advisory. The role involves overseeing VAT operations, ensuring compliance, managing audits, and advising internal stakeholders. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in VAT compliance and a strong understanding of UAE tax laws.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Opportunity for growth and development

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in UAE VAT compliance and advisory.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE VAT laws and FTA procedures.
• Experience in a corporate or consulting tax environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee VAT operations and ensure compliance with UAE VAT regulations.
• Provide advisory support and conduct VAT impact assessments.
• Manage VAT audits and disputes with the FTA.

Skills

Advisory

Communication

Problem Solving

Tax Technical Expertise

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems (SAP, Oracle)

Job description

We are hiring a Senior Tax Specialist to join a leading diversified group based in Dubai. This position focuses heavily on UAE VAT compliance and advisory (80%), with additional involvement in corporate and international tax matters. The ideal candidate will play a key role in overseeing VAT operations, ensuring compliance, managing audits and disputes, and advising internal stakeholders on tax-related matters.

Client Details

Our client is a highly respected and diversified conglomerate headquartered in Dubai, with operations across sectors such as automotive, real estate, and retail. The group is known for maintaining strong corporate governance and is committed to compliance, innovation, and excellence in financial practices.

Description

1. VAT Compliance & Reporting: Review and consolidate VAT returns for group entities to ensure accuracy and timely submissions in accordance with UAE VAT regulations. Maintain a central VAT return calendar and manage VAT filings across entities. Conduct post-filing reviews to identify improvement areas.
2. Advisory & Analysis: Provide advisory support and practical VAT solutions to internal stakeholders. Conduct VAT impact assessments for new initiatives and review contracts to ensure correct VAT treatment and efficiency.
3. VAT Registration & Compliance: Assess VAT registration requirements for new entities and manage the process. Monitor regulatory changes and ensure group compliance with evolving UAE VAT laws.
4. Tax Group Management: Assist with the management and structuring of the VAT tax group, including adding/removing members.
5. FTA Audit & Disputes: Support VAT audits and disputes with the FTA, including documentation, appeals, and correspondence.
6. ERP Integration & Collaboration with IT: Collaborate with IT teams to embed VAT compliance into ERP systems and support VAT automation initiatives.
7. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to UAE regulations, including ESR, AML, FATCA, and CRS, overseeing accurate filings and reporting. Conduct training sessions on VAT compliance and best practices. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance VAT compliance and reduce tax risk.
8. Corporate Tax: Support corporate tax compliance, filing, and reporting as per UAE laws. Contribute to tax planning and initiatives aimed at managing the group's Effective Tax Rate (ETR). Manage tax provisions and provide advisory support on corporate tax matters.
9. Performance Expectations: Achieve timely, error-free VAT compliance across all entities. Proactively resolve VAT queries and provide valuable internal support. Manage FTA audits with minimal risk exposure. Lead VAT system enhancements and internal training programs. Gain positive feedback from internal stakeholders for advisory quality and effectiveness.

Profile

• Minimum 5 years of experience in UAE VAT compliance, advisory, and audit/dispute management
• In-depth knowledge of UAE VAT laws and FTA procedures
• Experience in a corporate or consulting tax environment
• Strong advisory, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in MS Office and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally, especially with finance and IT
• Strong tax technical expertise across VAT and broader corporate tax
• Strategic mindset with a track record of managing concurrent initiatives
• Self-motivated, proactive, commercially astute, and results-driven

Job Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Opportunity to work with a well-known and diversified group in Dubai
• Strategic, high-visibility role within the finance and tax team
• Exposure to a broad range of tax disciplines and business operations
• A dynamic environment with ongoing opportunities for growth and development