Manager - Indirect Tax

Andersen in the United Arab Emirates; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Andersen in the United Arab Emirates seeks a seasoned indirect tax professional to lead VAT compliance, health checks, and advisory deliverables for a diverse client portfolio across the UAE. You will supervise junior staff, review work, and guide clients through UAE VAT Law, ESR regulations, and FTA portal operations.

You will prepare technical memos, participate in litigation processes, and help identify new engagements while building trusted client relationships.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of indirect tax experience with supervising exposure.
• Strong UAE VAT Law knowledge, ESR regulations, and FTA portal operations.
• Proficient in Excel, FAF workings, and tax software/portals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; client-facing clarity.
• Strong team management, review, and delegation capabilities.
• Ability to build trusted client relationships and anticipate needs.

Responsibilities

• Manage VAT compliance for a portfolio of UAE clients.
• Conduct VAT Health Checks and prepare detailed reports.
• Prepare VAT advisory notes, technical memos, and client deliverables.
• Maintain FAF workings and support all tax filings and compliance.
• Provide timely ad-hoc tax advisory services to clients.
• Assist in litigation processes including filings and ESR tasks.
• Coordinate with clients and supervise junior associates for quality.
• Stay updated with UAE tax laws and regulatory changes.

Skills

Communication skills

Team management

Client relationship building

Litigation experience

Analytical thinking

Education

CA / ACCA / CPA / Master’s in Tax or Finance preferred

Tools

Excel

Tax software/portals

FAF workings

Job description

• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual VAT compliance for a portfolio of clients across diverse industries.
• Conduct comprehensive VAT Health Checks and prepare detailed reports with findings and recommendations.
• Prepare VAT advisory notes, technical memos, clarifications, and other client deliverables.
• Maintain accurate VAT return workings and documentation (FAF) to support all tax filings and compliance.
• Provide timely, ad-hoc tax advisory services to clients.
• Handle litigation processes including filing reconsideration applications, penalty waiver requests, and TDRC representations.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of the FTA portal, including tasks such as VAT registration/amendment, voluntary disclosures, and technical clarifications.
• Analyze clients’ ESR applicability and assist with the preparation and submission of ESR notifications and reports.
• Review and guide work done by senior and junior associates ensuring quality and accuracy.
• Ensure seamless communication and coordination with clients regarding ongoing engagements and deliverables.
• Conduct training sessions for clients and internal teams on updates to UAE tax laws and their implications.
• Stay updated with the latest regulatory changes, tax rulings, and FTA guidelines.
• Identify opportunities for new client acquisition and cross-selling of services.
• Assist in the preparation of proposals and engagement letters for prospective clients.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential clients.

Key Requirements

• CA / ACCA / CPA / Master’s in Tax or Finance preferred
• 4–6 years of relevant experience in Indirect Tax with at least 2 years in a supervisory role
• Strong understanding of UAE VAT Law, FTA portal operations, ESR regulations, and practical litigation experience
• Proficiency in Excel, FAF workings, and general tax software/portals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex information clearly
• Strong team management, review, and delegation skills
• Ability to build trusted relationships with clients and anticipate their business needs