Tax Services Lead

Job description / Role

About the Company

Azadea Group is a premier lifestyle retail company that owns and operates more than 40 leading international franchise concepts in fashion and accessories, food and beverage, home furnishings, sporting goods, multimedia, and beauty and cosmetics across the Middle East and Africa, spread across 13 countries overseeing more than 700 stores.

Job Purpose

The Tax Services Lead at Azadea's Business Services is responsible for overseeing the tax projects and filings of the group. He/she will execute the group's tax strategy across all jurisdictions where the group operates, handle responses to tax audits, manage tax processes, and contribute to identifying tax opportunities. His/her goal is to not only uphold compliance but also strategically minimize the group's tax liabilities, contributing significantly to the financial health and optimization of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Review tax returns for all direct and indirect taxes (such as corporate income tax, VAT, and WHT) for the applicable countries, ensuring timely filing and payment. Oversee deadlines and promptly inform the group tax team of any delays or issues.
• Remain updated on tax changes and keep the team informed about new tax regulations and legislative changes, including their associated accounting treatments. Assist in the early adaptation of these changes across multiple affected systems, coordinating with the technical teams involved.
• Liaise with the regional tax team to support all tax-related queries for the group. Provide assistance during tax audits and group-level tax filings and help with tax updates and training sessions.
• Implement systems and processes to compile all relevant tax information related to the company's tax position and filings. Monitor and ensure the timely filing of all tax returns across all jurisdictions.
• Develop and maintain a high level of customer service and productive working relationships with stakeholders to foster business improvement and achieve objectives. Collaborate closely with internal and external auditors during financial and operational audits.
• Recruit, train, motivate, and evaluate the team to ensure that the department has the necessary skill base, and that staff are optimally motivated and enabled to maximize their potential and contribution to the company.

Qualifications

Language & Technical Skills

• Fluency in English and Arabic.
• Fluency in French is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in MS Office.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A master's degree or ADIT is a plus.

Experience

General Experience

• Six to eight years of experience in tax and tax compliance.
• Experience in the big four or large corporate companies is a plus.

Managerial Experience

• Three years of experience in a managerial role.

Behavioral Competencies

Decision Quality

Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. For example, consistently demonstrates strong judgment; may be sought out by others for expertise and guidance. Takes smart, independent action in urgent and non-routine situations, knows when to escalate for others' involvement.

Strategic Mindset

Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies. For example, knows what to prioritize for the greatest strategic impact on the organization. Takes industry and market trends into account in decisions. Explores possibilities that may impact the team or organization in the future.

Plans and Aligns

Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. For example, outlines clear plans that put actions in a logical sequence; conveys some time frames. Aligns own work with relevant workgroups. Takes some steps to reduce bottlenecks and speed up the work.

Ensures Accountability

Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. For example, accepts responsibility for own work, both successes and failures. Handles fair share and does not make excuses for problems. Usually meets commitments to others.

Builds Effective Teams

Builds strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals. For example, holds constructive dialogue with the team regularly; takes multiple perspectives into account when making decisions. Commits to and prioritizes the team's decisions in most situations; conveys team spirit.

Persuades

Uses compelling arguments to gain the support and commitment of others. For example, convinces others through a variety of means and methods of persuasion, including well-reasoned rationale. Recognizes when compromise is necessary and shifts approach to accommodate others.

Situational Adaptability

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. For example, sees even subtle cues to adapt; deploys a wide range of behaviors to stay effective. Exemplifies flexibility and resourcefulness; responds deftly to a variety of challenges and situations.

Azadea Group is an equal employment employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by relevant local laws.

About the Company

Azadea Group is a premier fashion and lifestyle retail company that owns and operates more than 50 leading international franchise concepts across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe. Since its inception in 1978, the Group has grown a substantial chain of stores representing leading international brand names in fashion and accessories, food and beverage, home furnishing, sporting goods and multimedia.With over 11,000 employees, the company boasts a solid infrastructure overseeing more than 600 stores spread across 15 countries including Algeria, Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Ghana, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.