Group Specialist: Tax Compliance and Reporting (Gauteng) at Aspen Pharma Group

Description

• We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Group Specialist: Compliance and Reporting to join our tax team. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in tax compliance and reporting, a strong background in tax accounting and a proven track record of success within the tax department of multinational, listed entity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the timely and accurate submissions of tax returns for all tax types across multiple jurisdictions.  
• Lead the preparation of tax provisions and deferred tax calculations for financial reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS.
• Manage the group’s Effective Tax Rate (ETR) process, ensuring alignment with the group’s financial and strategic objectives.
• Monitor ETR drivers, assess impacts of transactions, and implement strategies to optimize the group’s tax position.
• Provide detailed ETR analysis and insights for quarterly reporting, budgeting, and forecasting purposes.
• Partner with business units to ensure tax impacts of key transactions are accurately reflected in the ETR.
• Responsible for tax accounting and accurate reporting of tax related entries in the general ledger. 
• Work with internal teams to enhance data accuracy and reporting efficiency across the group’s systems.
• Manage and support the transition of routine tax tasks to TESS.  
• Act as the primary project manager for the external audit process to ensure a smooth and efficient process in collaboration with External Auditors, TESS Accounting, Group Tax Specialists and Group Tax Managers.
• Collaborate with external auditors on tax-related matters to ensure smooth audit processes and compliance with accounting and disclosure requirements.
• Manage and respond to internal audit queries in collaboration with Group Tax Managers
• Review Annual Financial Statement Tax Notes for companies identified by the Group Finance Consolidation team and work with that team to finalize the notes for inclusion in the annual financial statements.  
• Identify any compliance risk which may need to be recorded on the IFRIC23 register, in collaboration with the Group Tax Manager’s and the Tax Advisory Team.  
• Review VAT and CIT reconciliations performed by the Group Tax Specialists to ensure accuracy of tax balances in the ledger and financial statements.
• Work with Group Tax Specialists and Managers to minimise prior period adjustments by ensuring the accurate calculation of year end tax provisions and understanding the impact of any material differences between IFRS and local GAAP adjustments.    
• On a monthly basis prepare a report on the Group’s tax compliance status which should incorporate analytics and insights on the compliance process  
• Provide tax accounting training to the tax team and TESS accounting team as and when required.
• Assist with preparation of tax reports, dashboards and presentations required for various committees.
• Stay abreast of global tax law changes and ensure their timely implementation to mitigate compliance risks.
• Provide support to the tax technology team relating to the implementation/roll-out of tax technology solutions
• Identify tax compliance and reporting risks and identify strategies and process improvements to mitigate those risks
• Implement and maintain robust tax control frameworks to minimize compliance and reporting risks.
• Manage relationship with external advisors, auditors and revenue authorities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Finance, Legal, TESS, Treasury in relation to compliance and reporting matters as needed.
• Provide training and guidance to group tax and local finance teams on tax compliance and reporting processes

Requirements
Educational Qualifications & Experience:

• Qualification: Chartered Accountant or similar accounting qualification
• Education: Bachelor’s in Accounting, Honours in Accounting/Tax, Masters in Tax or equivalent

Experience: 

• Minimum of 10 years in tax, with at least 5 years in a senior compliance and reporting role. 
• Proven track record of managing compliance processes and overseeing group-level effective tax rate (ETR) reporting
• Strong technical expertise in tax accounting under IFRS (or equivalent accounting standards).
• Experience working in a Big Four tax advisory firm or equivalent is an advantage.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of tax regulations and compliance requirements. Excellent leadership, mentorship, and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with senior executives and operational teams.

Desired Competencies:

• Ability to think critically and develop strategic tax solutions that align with business objectives.
• Strong analytical skills to assess complex tax issues and provide clear recommendations.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex tax concepts to non-tax professionals.
• Proven leadership abilities to guide and mentor the tax operations team.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with various stakeholders, including senior executives and operational teams.
• 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.