VAT Advisory Manager

Job description / Role

Specific responsibilities will include:
• Work with clients and partner to implement VAT across the functions and departments
• Development and implementation of VAT policies, principles, processes and procedures for clients
• Oversee the clients VAT teams of the business units (BUs) on the following:
- Preparation of VAT returns and other VAT reports for submission to government bodies
- Overall compliance with the VAT laws and regulations
- Submission of the reporting requirements related to VAT audits to external auditors and government bodies
- Collation of other data required for VAT for submission to government and other parties

• Develop and implement VAT strategies, ensuring compliance with local VAT laws
• Identify the VAT risks, plan remediation action and manage the implementation of the remediation plan and resolution of the risks
• Assist in providing advice to the clients on VAT implications of transactions
• Identify all changes in the VAT legislations, determine the VAT consequences for the Group and provide remediation plan and solutions.
• Review terms and conditions in contracts and agreements to determine VAT implications
• Provide inputs from a VAT perspective into company strategies, policies and procedures
• Manage VAT audits by government bodies, prepare and coordinate appeals to support the tax position taken, and propose and implement appropriate settlement schemes
• Sign-off the following after performing high level reviews:
- VAT returns and other VAT reports of the BUs
- Exception and other monitoring reports
- Tests of various systems (SAP, Oracle, Legacy, Navision/ Dynamics, Mount, among others) for new VAT IT configurations due to new changes in VAT law, rules and regulations

• Review and advise on the VAT compliance processes and identifying opportunities for standardization
• Provide guidance on new VAT registration processes across the clients’ departments and BUs
• Perform monitoring audits on the following:
- Compliance by the BUs on the VAT policies and procedures of the client
- Correctness and reasonableness of the VAT reports and other VAT filings with the government bodies
- VAT IT configurations in various systems

• Provide VAT training across the group
• Appraise and mentor the VAT Teams of the business units

Requirements

The successful candidate will have the following attributes:
• Ability to write and speak in English and Arabic language required
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting / Economics or other relevant degree
• VAT Compliance Diploma – UAE or GCC, issued by the Association of Taxation Technicians, and a recognized Tax Agent by the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority, is a plus, or Chartered Tax Adviser or equivalent international tax qualification is required
• This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Senior Tax Associate who will be brought in to work as a Manager and potentially become a partner
• Minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in an Indirect Tax team at a 'Big Four' accountancy firm, working in-house in an established VAT department or as a VAT inspector for a national Tax Authority
• Strong Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Understanding and knowledge of SAP and/or Oracle reporting
• Demonstrated leadership, team-working and strong communication skills (including ability to delegate and provide instructions in a clear and concise manner)

About the Company

XB4 was formed in Pennsylvania in 2003, in the wake of the Enron-Andersen collapse, when serious quality and confidence challenges were facing the accounting world, and in particular the Big Four. Founded by a CPA with years of experience working in and out of the Big Four Accounting firms, XB4’s earliest goal was to deliver assurance, tax and financial advisory services that combined integrity and transparency with highly individualized professional care. In other words, bigger is not necessarily better.

All our clients are important. All their concerns are significant, and all our clients can expect that with XB4 they will receive services that will add value to their organizations or businesses. At XB4, our goal is to serve and protect the interest of our profession, therefore, we are here to deliver more than just a name.

We pride ourselves on a team that comprises of former Big Four Partners and staff. They bring with them decades of experience across a range of industries and organizations, in the public and private sectors, both profit and non-profit entities. Our approach combines a number of key ingredients that makes XB4 unique from other firms:

• thorough understanding of the applicable Standards and regulations;
• strong competency in local and international best industry practices;
• use and rely on the latest and best technology;
• individualized research;
• accessibility to our clients and communities; and
• trusted, honest, reliable, and timely service.

At XB4, we believe ethics are real values, and not just another box on a check-list. If you share our values, please join us!