Senior Tax Manager at HF Group

Principle Accountabilities

Tax Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement the Group Tax Strategy, aligning it with the overall business, finance policy and capital management strategies.
• Drive tax planning and optimization initiatives across the Group to enhance post-tax profitability.
• Advise the line manager, Group CFO and subsidiary finance leads on the tax implications of strategic decisions, M&A, capital raising, and restructures.
• Lead tax due diligence and structuring for new ventures, partnerships, and joint ventures (especially in property and bancassurance).
• Lead relationship management with external tax consultants

Tax Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure accurate and timely tax compliance (income tax, VAT, excise, withholding tax) for all group entities.
• Monthly review of PAYE filings & remittances against taxable benefits GLs in the TB across subsidiaries and JVs
• Coordinate tax health checks
• Provide guidance on tax entries during vendor payments
• Oversee tax audits, correspondence, and negotiations with KRA and other authorities.
• Develop and maintain a Group Tax Risk Register, ensuring mitigation actions are implemented.
• Review subsidiary tax computations and returns for accuracy and alignment to tax laws and group policy.
• Proactively identify audit refund opportunities across entities and follow up with refunds

Business Partnering & Advisory

• Serve as the primary tax advisor to the Group and its subsidiaries’ ExCos and boards.
• Help in integrating tax function as a key player in balance sheet optimization for the banking subsidiary (HFC)
• Partner with subsidiaries and business units to provide proactive tax guidance on contracts, new products, and transactions.
• Provide tax advisory on cross-border transactions, transfer pricing, and intercompany arrangements.
• Build capacity across business units through training and awareness on tax-efficient practices.

Governance, Policy & Reporting

• Develop and maintain Group Tax Policies and Procedures, ensuring consistency across entities.
• Report group tax exposures, risks, and opportunities.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and advise management on their impact.

Reporting

• Be accountable for tax numbers reported on financial reports across Group
• Prepare monthly and quarterly EXCO and Board papers
• Any other duty as assigned from time to time by the Finance and HF leadership.

Key Competencies and Skills

Technical Competencies

• Proven track record in tax planning and structuring of financial instruments or property transactions.
• Experience in EXCO and Board-level reporting and direct presentations.
• Deep understanding of Kenyan tax laws and regulations.
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other analytical tools.
• Demonstrated people management and coaching skills.
• Strong business acumen and commercial orientation.

General Competencies

• Results-oriented and proactive.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to translate complex tax regulations into actionable business insights.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Collaborative team player with influencing capability.
• High integrity and professional conduct.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Academic & Professional

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Banking, Law, or related field from a recognized institution.
•  CPA (K) or ACCA qualification.
• A Tax certification or postgraduate qualification in Taxation will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in taxation, including at least 3 years at a senior level within banking, insurance, property, or related sectors (or consulting for these sectors).
• Strong hands-on experience in KRA audit management, tax refunds, arbitration, and litigation.
• Proficiency in IAS 12 (Income Taxes) and financial reporting principles.