Tax Specialist at Absa Bank Limited

Job Summary

To provide specialist advise and support in the maintenance and analysis of taxation data in order to provide accurate reports and information to relevant business stakeholders, through the execution of predefined objectives as per agreed SOPs.

Job Purpose;

Ensure the bank and its subsidiaries comply with all applicable tax obligations and regulations.

Key Accountabilities:

Tax Compliance and Risk Management – 50%

• Responsible for general tax compliance work - tax computations, PAYE, WHT, VAT, Excise Duty, and payment of Corporate tax installments.
• Responsible for reconciliations on all tax accounts and reporting to internal management and external stakeholders.
• Engage the revenue authority on queries emanating form tax payments and general request from the revenue authority.
• Support the Head of Tax in addressing objections, appeals and dispute resolution and making submissions on behalf of the bank.
• In consultation with the Head of Tax, responsible for implementation of appropriate and optimal tax operational procedures.
• Responsible for monthly, quarterly, and annual corporate tax computations and Group reporting.
• Responsible for Effective Tax Rate (ETR) management.

Tax Planning – 10%

• In consultation with the Head of Tax, responsible for tax planning advising the bank on the optimum tax structures, polices and processes.
• Responsible for performing tax due diligence in new product development and providing business functions with relevant tax advice.

Key Stakeholder Management – 10%

• Manage and resolve supplier tax queries and disputes.
• Manage and resolve customer tax queries and disputes.
• Manage the relationship with external auditors/ tax advisors.
• Maintain close relations with the, Tax Authorities and other applicable Regulatory Bodies regarding tax payment enquires and general tax queries.
• Manage Relationship with other Functions including Financial Control & Reporting, Sourcing and Business.

Risk Management Control and compliance – 20%

• Understand the appropriate Group and Africa Regional Operations Policies & Standards and Procedures applicable to role.
• Understand and manage risks and risk events (incidents) which are faced in the role thereby contributing to the adherence to the Group Risk and Control Framework.
• Ensure that practices and controls required by Policies are communicated to all relevant colleagues.
• Maintaining procedures to monitor compliance with Policies and any controls required by them Ensuring compliance with the Group processes for applications for waivers and dispensations and the notification of breaches of Policies as appropriate.

Team Management – 10%

• Working in close collaboration and partnership with Financial Controls & Reporting, Sourcing and Business.
• Provide training and support to other areas of the bank especially FC, Business, products, and Sourcing among others to ensure they have sufficient tax compliance understanding to support the Tax function.
• Pursue own personal development to increase job effectiveness and visibility.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Up to date knowledge of all applicable tax obligations and compliance requirements.
• Good understanding of accounting technical issues (International Accounting Standards/IFRS, etc.).
• Highly numeric/strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong ability to view issues from a risk & control perspective.
• Drive to continually improve processes and seek new challenges.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Planning and organization skills.
• Ability to think creatively and identify innovative solutions.
• Ability to work well under pressure, working accurately with attention to detail, and meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively translate ideas, concepts, and information.
• Ability to build and maintain business relationships to achieve work goals.
• Excellent comprehension skills to understand and interpret financial data.
• Strong customer focus (internal and external).

Knowledge, Expertise & Experience

• Relevant first degree and accounting professional qualification.
• 5 years practical experience in a Tax.
• Experience and hands-on knowledge on iTax.
• Technical and practical skills in tax compliance.
• Up to date knowledge of Agency and income taxes.