VAT Lead

Careers at UAE; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Careers at UAE seeks a VAT Lead to manage Indirect Tax compliance, ensuring regulatory adherence while optimizing processes. The role requires extensive knowledge of VAT laws, along with 8+ years of experience in relevant industries or audit firms.

The ideal candidate will possess a professional accounting qualification and demonstrate strong competencies in tax planning, compliance, and cross-functional collaboration. This position plays a pivotal role in maintaining compliance across operations and conducting internal audits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years relevant in-house experience in VAT matters in MNCs or Big Four audit firms.
• Prior experience of first-time implementation of VAT/GST is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage Indirect Tax compliance for the group.
• Oversee VAT/Excise tax returns and timely regulatory filing.
• Conduct periodic internal tax audits.

Skills

Understanding of VAT and indirect tax laws

Tax planning and compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Internal tax audits

Education

Professional accounting/tax qualification (CA/CPA/ACCA)

Legal qualification

Job description

VAT Lead

Job Summary

Manage assigned Indirect Tax compliance of the group. This will include day-to-day Indirect Tax advisory of the BUs; consolidation and review of the VAT/Excise tax returns; reconciliation of the VAT returns with TB, managing the FTA portal relating to VAT and Excise tax records; preparation and submission of Voluntary Disclosures, VAT refunds and amendments to the tax registration records; managing the required modification to the Group’s ERP systems, etc.

Roles & Responsibilities

Taxation/VAT/Excise/Customs

• Obtain complete understanding of applicable VAT and other indirect tax laws and framework in the GCC and wider Middle East region.
• Keep updated on latest amendments/judgements.
• Work closely with cross functional team to evaluate the impact of Indirect Taxes on IFFCO’s operations.
• Ensure that these are satisfactorily addressed.
• Identify potential contentious VAT issues/interpretation of law.
• Obtain clarity and ensure resolution.
• Ensure that relevant IFFCO BUs are informed of any IndirectTax legislation changes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable VAT/Excise tax/Customs laws.
• Conduct periodic internal tax audits.

Fillings

• Ensure timely regulatory filing, tax accounting/reconciliation, resolution of accrual accounts and processing of tax refunds, where applicable.
• Effectively use technology at all stages of the indirect tax compliance process to help businesses save time, reduce tax risk, lower costs, improve cash flow and unlock indirect tax savings.
• Facilitate strategic tax planning and achievement of business objectives and tax-saving opportunities.
• Proactively identify and mitigate tax risks.
• Assist in preparation and conduct periodic tax training for BU Finance, Supply Chain, and other relevant teams on VAT/Excise/Customs-related topics.

KPIs

• Liaise with the Head of Tax, Indirect Tax Lead and BUs to ensure Group compliance with all requirements of VAT/Excise tax/Customs laws.
• Timely consolidation, review and filing of VAT and Excise tax returns.
• Preparation and submission of Voluntary Disclosures, Tax refunds and other tax submissions on the FAT portal.
• Ensuring the relevant tax payments are settled with the FTA by the due date.

Work experience requirement

8+ years relevant in-house experienceof handling VAT and other indirect tax matters in MNCs (preferably in CPG industry) or Big Four audit firms.

Prior experience of first time implementation of VAT/GST would be an advantage.

Qualification

Professional accounting/tax qualification (CA/CPA/ACCA or equivalent). A legal qualification will be an added advantage.

Competencies

• Business Acumen
• Taxation and Impact on Business
• Maintaining Procedures and Standards
• Research and Reporting
• Self and Team Management
• Planning & Decision Making
• Strategic Thinking
• Change Management
• Ownership & Result Orientation