Junior Tax Specialist

SUMMARY:
The primary objective of this role is to ensure tax compliance and meet tax reporting requirements, while adding value to the organisation through effective tax risk management, in line with our clients’ tax strategy.
The Junior Tax Analyst/Specialist will be instrumental in managing and executing a range of tax-related functions, including tax projects, tax accounting and reporting, compliance, audits, and risk mitigation.
Your expertise will support our client’s financial success and maintain compliance within the continuously changing regulatory environment.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities:
Tax Projects      

• Assist Group Tax with timeous responses to tax queries from our client’s operations and stakeholders.
• Review billing of service providers, law firms and audit firms by scrutinizing the invoice support to ensure that billing is accurate & within agreed scope and budget.

• Assist in tax audits and collaborate with tax authorities and external advisors across various countries.
• Participate in automation projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Engaging local auditors and external service providers on tax accounting calculations and tax reporting positions.
• Undertake CIT, WHT, VAT and other tax reconciliations, advising on adjustments and financial impact.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and tax regulations while providing insights into tax implications on financial statements.
• Assist in the reconciliations of tax balances on the general ledger.

• Prepare and co-ordinate the preparation of Income Tax returns, VAT returns preparations, and other VAT-related reports across multiple jurisdictions in the Africa, UK and Europe ensuring accurate and timely filing.
• Prepare and co-ordinate the preparation of Withholding Tax (WHT) declarations across the Group operations ensuring timely and accurate filing.
• Assist in establishing new Ensure timely processing of tax payments/refunds.
• Maintain a database of local and international tax laws and regulations.
• Accurately prepare and file required tax returns in a timely manner.
• Prepare all tax papers on a regular basis as needed.
• Respond to all tax information data requests.
• Consult with relevant internal departments to ensure all filings are conducted accurately and timeously.
• Assist in the preparation transfer pricing master and local files, maintenance of TP documentation, filing returns.
• Obtain TCC for entities and monitor the tax compliance status for the Group entities.

• Assist with tax due diligence and health checks.
• Assist in analysing reports of potential areas of tax risk and mitigations in relation to existing or planned in-country operations and/or new product initiatives.
• Assist in monitoring internal controls and processes to ensure accurate tax calculations, compliance, and reporting.

• Timeously responding to information requests, consulting with tax authorities, and providing the necessary documentation and analysis to support our clients’ tax positions. (Complete schedules, etc.)
• Ensure effective communication with internal and external stakeholders and resolution of audit matters.

• Maintain Tax knowledge database of returns filed, compliance calenda and statutory records on shared tax database.

• Experience in a tax role (3 years).
• Experience in a multinational organisation, accounting firm, or financial institution (1-3 years).
• Experience in tax compliance, tax accounting (3 years).
• Corporate Tax and VAT legislation, including VAT apportionment.
• Knowledge of global tax regulations with focus on Africa, accounting standards (IFRS), and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of all types of tax returns.
• Proficiency in tax software, financial systems, and Microsoft Office suite.
• Knowledge of international tax and complex transfer pricing.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to analyse complex tax issues and provide practical solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities to support staff.
• Ability to adapt to changing regulations and business environments while maintaining a proactive and solutions-oriented approach.

• Bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma in Accounting.
• Registered professional tax technician/professional tax certification (essential).
• VAT Certification (preferred).