Tax Manager

WSP; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is looking for an experienced Tax Manager to support and manage taxation activities across the Middle East. The role involves ensuring compliance with local regulations, leading tax reporting and advisory for direct and indirect taxes, and communicating effectively with finance teams and senior leadership. The ideal candidate will have 7-10 years of tax experience, solid knowledge of Middle East tax laws, and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong English communication and stakeholder management skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years’ experience in tax, including time with a Big 4 or reputable advisory firm.
• Excellent English communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Solid knowledge of Middle East tax laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support compliance with local tax regulations across the Middle East.
• Review and assess all material transactions from a tax perspective.
• Advise on tax implications of business transactions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Role Purpose

Support and manage taxation activities across the Middle East business, ensuring full compliance with local regulations and alignment with global standards. Oversee tax reporting, and advisory across direct and indirect taxes, while proactively identifying risks and delivering commercially sound solutions. Work closely with finance teams, senior leadership, and external stakeholders to support strategic decision-making, drive tax efficiency, and ensure accurate and timely delivery of all tax obligations in a dynamic regulatory environment.

Responsibilities

• Support compliance with local tax regulations across the Middle East, including timely submission of corporate tax, withholding tax, and VAT returns.
• Review and assess all material transactions from a tax perspective and ensure that tax risks and mitigations are effectively communicated to management.
• Apply strong knowledge across direct, indirect, and employment taxes, including transfer pricing.
• Maintain compliance trackers and assist in developing review programs/checklists.
• Facilitate resolution of tax assessments, by ensuring all data is readily available to support tax positions taken.
• Assist in evaluating uncertain tax positions and supporting tax provisioning discussions.
• Advise on tax implications of business transactions and provide solutions to reduce tax cost.
• Advise on cross-border transactions with emphasis on permanent establishment risks, withholding tax implications, registration requirements and availability of treaty relief.
• Assist in corporate restructuring and provide support in acquisitions.
• Provide financial information and ratios required for bids.
• Keep the business informed of tax issues and analyze impact of legislative changes.
• Ensure proper recognition of current and deferred taxes.
• Reporting directly to VP – Global Taxation, with a dotted line to Regional Finance leadership.
• Coordinate information requirements with local finance teams and external auditors.
• Support the assessment and implementation of OECD Pillar Two (Global Minimum Tax) requirements, coordinating with Global Tax and local finance teams.
• Understand transfer pricing and disclosure requirements.
• Assist in legal entities consolidation/reduction exercise, acquisitions and restructuring.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years’ experience in tax, including time with a Big 4 or reputable advisory firm.
• Excellent English communication skills (verbal and written).
• Knowledge of Middle East tax laws and regulations, practices and procedures.
• Solid knowledge of accounting and finance.
• Ability to develop creative, defensible and advantageous tax results within the boundaries of tax legislation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex tax regulations and provide practical solutions.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in managing tax filings, audits, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities: Capable of handling concurrent deadlines and obligations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Commercial mindset with the ability to align tax strategies to business objectives and drive value.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership and work across multiple function.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Proactive and self-driven, with the ability to work independently and take ownership of deliverables.
• Effective communication skills, capable of simplifying complex tax concepts for non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong risk awareness and judgement in identifying and mitigating tax exposures.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work across regional and global teams.
• Adaptable and resilient, able to operate in a fast-paced and evolving regulatory environment