Group Specialist: Middle East Africa and Asia Tax (Gauteng) at Aspen Pharma Group

Description

• We are looking for an experienced and highly skilled Group Tax Specialist to join our team, responsible for supporting all tax-related activities across the Middle East Africa and Asia region. 

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Support the preparation, review, and filing of corporate income tax, VAT/GST, withholding tax, and other regional tax returns.
• Prepare accurate tax provisions, deferred tax calculations and return to accrual adjustment for financial reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS and local GAAP.
• Ensure compliance with local and international tax laws and timely filing of all tax obligations.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support tax filings and audits.
• Identify and address potential tax risks across the region.
• Collaborate with the Group Tax Manager to develop and implement strategies for mitigating tax risks.
• Support responses to tax audits and inquiries from tax authorities, providing accurate and timely information.
• Support the preparation and filing of VAT/GST returns across multiple jurisdictions within the Region
• Assist in optimizing indirect tax processes and resolving VAT/GST queries.
• Provide technical tax support to internal stakeholders on various projects, transactions, and initiatives.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to optimize the group’s tax position and reduce costs.
• Support the implementation of tax technology solutions to streamline compliance and reporting processes.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, including finance, legal, and operations, to provide tax guidance and support.
• Liaise with external advisors and tax authorities on technical tax issues and audits.
• Actively engage with the business in undertaking all the work that is allocated to you.   
• Ensure that every entity in the region is applying the tax policies that are issued by Group Tax  
• Implement all standard operating procedures that are published for Group Tax. 
• Review intercompany agreements that are being entered into by companies allocated to you and identify whether the correct party is entering into the transaction and that the tax positions being taken are optimized.   
• Ensure each company entity in the region meets all their tax reporting obligations to achieve the deadlines set by the Tax Authority. This responsibility covers corporate tax (domestic and international tax), and value-added tax.  
• Prepare the returns that have been identified by the GTM and submit those to the Tax Authority once the return has been reviewed by the GTM
• Prepare the CFC tax return for each company in the region simultaneous to submission of the corporate tax return.  
• Prepare all responses to any routine query that is received by the Tax Authority in collaboration with management and the appointed advisors (to the extent that external advisors are utilized). Ensure that these are reviewed by the GTM prior to the replies being submitted to the Tax Authority. 
• Identify risks that should be included in the IFRIC23 risk register. 
• Identify changes that are required in TRCS that would impact on the monthly tax computations that are being prepared by your business. 
• Update the Global Tax compliance tracker after each tax return submission.

Requirements
Formal qualifications:

• BCom Honours in Taxation or equivalent.
• Masters in Tax would be preferable.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years in tax, in a consulting environment or experience in a tax department in a listed/multinational entity.
• International Tax Compliance Experience.

Desired Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, complex environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with diverse stakeholders across regions and functions.
• Proactive and adaptable mindset, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to address and resolve tax-related challenges.
• Ability to adapt to changing regulations and business environments, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong knowledge of tax regulations and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in tax research tools, ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and data analytics platforms.
• Proven track record in ensuring compliance with regional and international tax regulations, managing tax risks, and contributing to tax planning and process optimization.