Tax Accountant at Optiven Limited

Job Purpose Statement:

The job holder is responsible for supporting the tax function to ensure fiscal compliance, operational efficiency, and tax-aligned investment execution across the organization. Key responsibilities include:

• Assessing and supporting the structuring of tax-efficient real estate investments.
• Ensuring timely and accurate submission of all statutory tax obligations.
• Coordinating payroll including tax compliance in collaboration with HR and Finance.
• Maintaining accurate, audit-ready tax documentation and reports.
• Driving improvements in tax processes through automation and digitization.

Key Responsibilities:

Investment Management

• Evaluate and monitor the tax implications of real estate investment activities, including land banking, property development, and asset disposals.
• Provide support in structuring tax-efficient land acquisitions and investment exits to maximize after-tax returns.
• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure alignment of tax structures in property acquisitions, joint ventures, and project development.
• Integrate tax optimization strategies into investment planning and execution.
• Analyze capital expenditure, asset classification, and revenue treatment to ensure tax positioning aligns with long-term investment objectives
• Stay updated on tax incentives, exemptions, and real estate-related fiscal policies that may impact project feasibility and profitability
• Contribute to due diligence efforts by identifying potential tax exposures and opportunities prior to investment.
• Support internal control reviews related to tax, and propose improvements in line with governance and audit standards.
• Participate in tax planning initiatives to optimize cash flows and reduce overall effective tax rate (ETR) across the investment lifecycle

 Statutory Compliance

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation, review, and submission of all statutory tax returns including VAT, Income Tax, PAYE, Withholding Tax, Excise Duty, and others applicable.
• Ensure preparation, submission and payment all land related statutory obligations in relation to County and National government – e.g. land rents, lease, etc.
• Maintain and update tax compliance trackers and escalate any risk of non-compliance proactively.
• Liaise with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), County governments and external consultants to resolve tax and land rate and rent issues and implement rulings or guidance.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes in local and international tax laws to ensure organizational compliance and adaptability.

Payroll Administration

• Coordinate with HR and Payroll teams to ensure correct calculation and timely remittance of payroll-related taxes including PAYE, NHIF, NSSF, and Housing Levy.
• Support year-end payroll tax reporting and compliance obligations.
• Ensure tax compliance for employee benefits such as gratuities, allowances, and non-cash compensation.
• Validate payroll tax codes and ledgers to ensure ongoing accuracy and compliance.

Reporting and Documentation

• Assist in the preparation of tax schedules, reconciliations, and disclosures during monthly and annual financial close cycles.
• Maintain well-organized tax documentation to support internal, external, and regulatory audits.
• Contribute to tax risk assessments and scenario analysis to enhance decision-making.
• Support the digitization of tax documentation, compliance dashboards, and reporting workflows.
• Other duties assigned from time to time

Qualification and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA or equivalent professional certification.
• 6 years’ Experience with a minimum of 3 years’ direct experience in corporate tax and compliance, ideally in real estate, investment, or advisory sectors.

Competency Requirements:

• Knowledge of Kenyan tax laws and regulations
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Ability to interpret tax legislation and guidelines
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent reporting skills
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Integrity and confidentiality