Tax Director

Calvin James Recruitment; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Calvin James Recruitment is seeking a senior tax leader to drive corporate and international tax strategy across multiple jurisdictions, with a strong emphasis on UAE and GCC markets.

The role requires a background in Big Four or major tax advisory practices, plus proven multi-country tax experience and leadership in complex tax matters for international organisations.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of corporate taxation experience.
• Big Four or top-tier tax advisory background preferred.
• Extensive multi-country tax exposure, including UAE/GCC.

Responsibilities

• Lead corporate and international tax strategy, planning, compliance and advisory across multiple jurisdictions.
• Provide strategic tax guidance to senior leadership on operations, investments and restructurings.
• Oversee tax governance, reporting, and documentation, including transfer pricing and VAT.
• Coordinate with external advisers and internal stakeholders to manage audits and regulatory matters.
• Support business transformation, tax technology, and cross-border transactions.

Education

CA/CPA/ACCA

Job description

The role will involve leading corporate and international tax strategy, planning, compliance and advisory activities across multiple jurisdictions.

We are particularly interested in professionals with a strong background in Big Four accounting firms or established tax consulting practices, combined with extensive multi-country tax exposure and experience managing complex tax matters within international organisations.

Key Responsibilities

Tax Strategy & Leadership

• Develop, implement and oversee corporate and international tax strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Provide strategic tax advice to senior leadership on business operations, investments, restructuring and expansion.
• Oversee tax planning, governance, compliance and reporting across multiple entities and jurisdictions.
• Identify opportunities to optimise tax structures while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
• Establish and maintain effective tax policies, controls and risk management frameworks.

International Tax & Cross-Border Advisory

• Manage international tax matters across multiple countries, with particular emphasis on the UAE, GCC and wider international markets.
• Advise on cross-border transactions, international tax structuring and intercompany arrangements.
• Assess tax implications relating to new market entries, acquisitions, investments and corporate restructuring.
• Provide guidance on double taxation treaties, withholding taxes, permanent establishment risks and international tax obligations.
• Ensure alignment with OECD guidelines, BEPS initiatives and relevant international tax frameworks.
• Monitor international tax developments and assess their impact on business operations.

Corporate Tax, VAT & Transfer Pricing

• Oversee UAE Corporate Tax strategy, implementation and ongoing compliance.
• Manage transfer pricing policies, intercompany transactions and related documentation.
• Provide advice on tax grouping, Free Zone considerations and corporate tax structuring.
• Oversee VAT compliance, advisory matters and associated tax risks.
• Review corporate tax calculations, returns, provisions and reporting requirements.
• Support compliance with applicable Pillar Two and Global Minimum Tax requirements.

Tax Compliance, Risk & Governance

• Oversee tax compliance obligations across relevant jurisdictions.
• Manage tax audits, assessments, disputes and engagement with tax authorities.
• Coordinate with external tax advisors, legal counsel and consulting partners.
• Identify and mitigate potential tax exposures and regulatory risks.
• Ensure accurate and timely tax reporting and statutory filings.
• Develop and enhance internal tax processes, controls and governance standards.

Business Advisory & Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with senior management, Finance, Legal and other business functions on tax-related matters.
• Provide practical tax guidance to support commercial and operational decisions.
• Support business transformation initiatives, tax technology improvements and process automation.
• Advise on the tax implications of commercial agreements, financing arrangements and corporate transactions.
• Communicate complex tax matters clearly to senior stakeholders and support strategic decision-making.

Candidate Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in corporate taxation, international tax planning and advisory.
• Big Four accounting firm or established tax consulting/advisory experience strongly preferred.
• Proven multi-country tax experience is essential, with exposure to the UAE, GCC and wider international jurisdictions.
• Strong technical knowledge of UAE Corporate Tax, VAT, transfer pricing and international taxation.
• Experience advising on cross-border transactions, corporate restructuring, tax treaties and international tax planning.
• Previous experience in a senior tax leadership role, such as Tax Director, Head of Tax, Group Tax Manager or Senior International Tax Manager.
• Experience managing tax audits, regulatory engagements and complex tax advisory matters.
• Professional qualification such as CA, CPA, ACCA or equivalent.
• Additional qualifications in Taxation, Accounting, Finance or Law would be advantageous.
• Strong commercial awareness, analytical capabilities and stakeholder management skills.