Tax Director

Job Purpose

The Tax Director will be responsible for leading the tax strategy compliance and planning functions across the groups diversified business sectors.

This role ensures that the organization adheres to all applicable tax laws and regulations while optimizing tax efficiency and minimizing risk. The position requires strong collaboration with senior management business units and external advisors to develop and implement best-in-class tax policies and structures.

Key Responsibilities

Tax Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement the groups corporate tax strategy in alignment with business objectives.

• Optimize tax structures across jurisdictions to ensure tax efficiency and compliance.

• Provide expert guidance on Corporate Tax VAT Withholding Tax Transfer Pricing and International Tax matters.

• Assess the tax implications of mergers acquisitions and divestitures.

• Conduct regular reviews of the group structure to ensure tax efficiency and compliance.

• Advise on tax-efficient financing and repatriation strategies.

• Ownership of Corporate Tax and VAT registrations tax computations tax elections and filings.

Tax Compliance Integrity & Regulatory Engagement

• Ensure full compliance with UAE Corporate Tax VAT and International Tax regulations.

• Oversee the timely preparation filing and payment of all tax obligations.

• Maintain strong integrity in tax reporting and disclosures ensuring transparency and accuracy.

• Act as the key liaison with tax authorities and regulatory bodies ensuring proactive engagement and compliance including tax audits assessments refund claims and disputes.

• Stay up to date on tax regulatory changes and assess their impact on the business.

• Provide strategic guidance on group tax environment and policy implementation.

Transfer Pricing & International Tax

• Develop and implement a robust Transfer Pricing policy in compliance with OECD guidelines across all business units and connected parties.

• Ensure accurate Transfer Pricing documentation including Master File Local Files Benchmarking and other reporting.

• Monitor and manage cross-border tax risks related to intercompany transactions.

• Conduct transfer pricing reviews and provide strategic recommendations for optimization.

• Ensure intercompany pricing management fees cost-sharing and service arrangements comply with regulations.

• Advise on Withholding Tax implications Permanent Establishment exposure and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs).

• Support structuring of cross-border transactions and international operations.

• Coordinate with external advisors on global tax matters.

• Ensure ERP and financial systems reflect approved Transfer Pricing policies.

Tax Policy Development & Risk Mitigation

• Establish and enforce group-wide tax policies and procedures.

• Roll out tax compliance solutions across all business entities.

• Conduct impact assessments on regulatory tax changes and recommend proactive measures.

• Develop a tax governance framework to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

• Lead tax audits and disputes ensuring favorable resolutions.

Process Improvement & Technology Integration

• Leverage technology and automation to enhance tax reporting and compliance efficiency.

• Implement ERP tax modules and digital solutions for real-time tax monitoring.

• Develop standardized tax reporting processes across the group.

• Establish KPIs to track tax performance and compliance effectiveness.

M&A Restructuring & Strategic Transactions

• Support tax due diligence for M&A joint ventures partnerships and investments.

• Advise on tax implications of group restructuring entity rationalization and fund structures.

• Support post-transaction tax integration.

Commercial & Contractual Advisory

• Review commercial shareholder financing and service agreements.

• Advise business and legal teams on VAT Corporate Tax and Transfer Pricing implications.

Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with tax advisors auditors and tax authorities.

• Act as the primary tax contact for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education / Professional Qualification

• Bachelors Degree in Finance.

• Professional qualification such as CA ACCA CPA or equivalent preferred.

• Tax Diploma certification preferred.

Work Experience

• 15 years of relevant tax experience (Big 4 or large group experience preferred).

• Hands-on experience with UAE Mainland and Free Zone tax frameworks.

• Proven experience in UAE VAT Corporate Tax Transfer Pricing and International Tax.

• Experience in M&A tax due diligence and contract review is essential.

Knowledge

• Expertise in UAE Corporate Tax and VAT regulations.

• Strong understanding of International Tax laws OECD guidelines and BEPS framework.

• Proficiency in tax technology and ERP systems (Microsoft Dynamics Oracle etc.).

• Strong analytical problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Skills

• Ability to develop and implement tax policies and governance frameworks.

• Strategic mindset with the ability to optimize tax structures and mitigate risks.

• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building competencies executive presence and strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams prioritize effectively and manage multiple initiatives.