Manager - Tax & Compliance

Job Purpose:

The Tax and Compliance Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that the organization remains compliant with all applicable tax laws and regulations. This position involves managing the taxation processes, including TDS, GST, Transfer Pricing, and SEZ/STPI compliance, while supporting audit activities and ensuring accurate financial reporting. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Indian tax laws, SEZ/STPI regulations, and global taxation concepts, with a strong background in handling tax-related compliances and audits.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Taxation:

- TDS Management: Ensure proper and accurate TDS deductions on invoices. Oversee timely submission of TDS returns and payments, and generate TDS certificates for vendors.

- Compliance: Perform monthly scrutiny of TDS ledgers and prepare reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with tax regulations.

- Advance Tax: Prepare advance tax workings and ensure all advance tax-related compliance is completed within the prescribed timelines.

- GST Compliance: Handle the preparation and filing of GST returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B) on a monthly basis. Reconcile GSTR-2B with books, ensuring unreconciled entries are addressed in subsequent months.

- Inter-Office Invoices: Prepare inter-office invoices for asset transfers, common cross-charges, and Head Office allocations in line with GST regulations.

- GST Refunds: Manage the preparation and filing of GST refund applications on a regular basis.

- Transfer Pricing: Maintain robust Transfer Pricing (TP) documentation aligned with the company's adopted positions. Prepare invoice workings for cost allocation to different entities within the Group in compliance with TP guidelines. Generate e-invoices and ensure timely sharing with customers and group entities.

- Tax Litigation: Assist in managing tax litigations and liaise with external consultants to ensure favorable outcomes.

SEZ/STPI Compliances:

- Coordinate with multiple stakeholders to ensure timely filing of SEZ/STPI forms (MPR, SERF, SOFTEX) on a monthly basis.

- Collaborate with external consultants and SEZ officers to ensure adherence to SEZ/STPI regulations.

- Work closely with business units to resolve tax and compliance queries efficiently and in a timely manner.

Audit and Reporting:

- Maintain monthly documentation for Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR), including reviewing process notes, risk control matrices, and testing controls in line with ICAI guidance.

- Post tax-related accounting entries in Microsoft D365, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

- Prepare tax-related schedules for group reporting on a monthly basis.

- Coordinate with auditors to ensure timely completion of Tax Audits, Transfer Pricing Audits, and Corporate Tax Returns with no surprises.

- Ensure readiness for GST and other audits by maintaining up-to-date records.

Others:

- Lead special projects and prepare ad-hoc reports as requested by the Reporting Manager.

- Support the implementation of changes or improvements in management information systems within the company.

- Keep business stakeholders and senior leadership teams updated on changes in tax laws and practices that may impact the business.

Required Skills:

- Proficient in Indian tax laws, including TDS, GST, and Transfer Pricing.

- Solid understanding of global taxation concepts and implications for international operations.

- Experience in handling SEZ/STPI compliances and filings.

- Strong knowledge of ERP accounting packages, preferably Microsoft D365.

- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

- Proficiency in preparing tax-related financial reports and documentation.

- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, including internal teams, auditors, and external consultants.

Required Competencies:

- Attention to Detail: Precision in managing tax deductions, reconciliations, and compliance filings.

- Leadership: Ability to guide and manage tax compliance processes across multiple business units.

- Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and coordination skills for managing internal and external stakeholders.

- Adaptability: Ability to stay updated on the latest tax laws and implement changes effectively within the organization.

- Critical Thinking: Strong decision-making abilities, especially in tax litigations and audits.

- Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work closely with cross-functional teams and lead initiatives that improve compliance and reporting standards.

Required Qualifications:

- Chartered Accountant (CA) certification is mandatory.

- 5-10 years of relevant experience in tax compliance and management.

- At least 3-4 years of experience working with SEZ/STPI compliances.

- Preferably 3-4 years of experience with a Big 4 accounting firm.

Required Work Experience:

- Extensive experience with Indian tax laws, including hands-on experience in TDS, GST, and Transfer Pricing.

- Demonstrated experience in handling SEZ/STPI compliances and filings for at least 3-4 years.

- Experience working with ERP accounting packages such as Microsoft D365.

- Proven track record of managing tax-related audits and litigations successfully.

- Exposure to global taxation will be considered an advantage.