Regional Indirect Tax Manager

Puma Energy; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Puma Energy is seeking an experienced in-house Tax professional to lead indirect tax across Africa. You will ensure VAT, customs, and other indirect tax obligations are met, while shaping planning to optimize positions and support business objectives.

The role combines compliance, planning, and process improvement across a large, multinational energy group. The ideal candidate will have a law or accounting background with VAT/Customs expertise and a track record in the oil sector.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Law or Accounting with VAT and Customs knowledge.
• At least 10 years’ experience in VAT and Customs and Excise.
• Experience in the oil industry is a major advantage.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with indirect tax laws including VAT, GST, sales/use tax, excise, customs duties and other indirect taxes.
• Develop and implement indirect tax planning strategies to optimize positions and minimize liabilities.
• Prepare and review indirect tax returns, filings and reconciliations in a timely, accurate manner.
• Coordinate tax audits and inquiries, respond to authorities, and defend positions with legal/tax advisors.
• Improve internal tax processes, controls, and automation, and maintain tax licenses and permits.

Skills

VAT knowledge

Customs & Excise knowledge

Tax planning

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Law or Accounting degree

Job description

Main Purpose

In-house Tax department – Correctly discharge all tax obligations, ensure full compliance with the tax rules & regulations and manage the indirect tax working capital position in the Africa Region.

Key responsibilities

• Compliance Management: Ensure compliance with all applicable indirect tax laws and regulations, including value-added tax (VAT), goods and services tax (GST), sales and use tax, excise tax, customs duties, and other indirect taxes. Monitor changes in tax laws and regulations, assess their impact on the organization, and implement necessary adjustments to ensure compliance Maintain Customs and Excise licenses and permits Preparation and provision of training in Indirect Tax areas
• Tax Planning and Strategy: Develop and implement tax planning strategies to optimize indirect tax positions, minimize tax liabilities, and identify tax-saving opportunities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align tax planning initiatives with business objectives and ensure tax-efficient structures and transactions
• Tax Reporting and Filings: Prepare and review indirect tax returns, reports, and filings in a timely and accurate manner. Ensure all required documentation and supporting records are maintained and organized. Ensure all monthly, quarterly and annual VAT reconciliations are performed. Coordinate with internal accounting and finance teams to obtain necessary data for tax reporting purposes
• Tax Audits and Disputes: Manage and coordinate tax audits and inquiries by tax authorities. Respond to inquiries, provide requested information, and represent the organization in discussions with tax authorities Prepare and defend tax positions during audits and resolve any tax disputes or controversies in collaboration with legal and tax advisors
• Process Improvement: Continuously assess and enhance internal tax processes, systems, and controls to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. Formalization of African entities’ Indirect Tax Policies Documentation of procedures and mapping of flows o Identify opportunities for automation and technology adoption to streamline tax-related workflows and reporting. In Addition: Maintain relations with Tax and Customs Authorities Weekly Management Reporting Monitor and assist on all new clearing/ bond processes

Requirements

Qualification in Law or Accounting with specific VAT and Customs and Excise Knowledge 10 years’ experience in VAT and Customs and Excise Experience in the oil industry a major advantage Background in Accounting (Big Four), Legal professions and/or Tax Authority experience an advantage

About us

Puma Energy is a leading global energy business which supplies, stores and distributes petroleum products in 48 countries across six continents. Founded in 1997, Puma Energy has its headquarters in Singapore and Geneva and employs over 8,000 people globally with regional hubs in South Africa, Puerto Rico, Australia and Estonia and have recently setup a Global Delivery Center in Mumbai, India. Puma Energy has a network of 100 storage terminals, more than 3,000 retail sites, and a presence at over 80 airports. Our mission is to energize communities to help drive growth and prosperity by sustainably serving our customers’ needs in high potential countries around the world