Main Purpose:

Assist the Africa Tax Manager to effectively manage the taxes of the sub-regional operations in line with the tax framework (policies, procedures, etc.) defined by Global Tax Manager

Knowledge Skills and Abilities, Key Responsibilities:

1. 30 %

Tax Reporting and Compliance (direct and indirect taxes)

• Liaise with local finance team in each country every month end to accurately review the monthly tax computations & ensure HFM validation as per agreed deadline in respect of monthly tax reporting of all the sub-regional operating entities.
• Ensure correct monthly accounting of VAT & other taxes in local accounts (including tax provisions, WHT, petroleum tax levies, etc) in Tanzania and liaise with the finance team in other sub-regional countries to review same and provide feedback on the necessary reconciliations.
• Ensure accurate and timely filing of direct tax returns (including provisional, annual, WHT) for all the entities in the sub-region.
• Ensure correct and timely filing of VAT/Sales tax returns and other local taxes returns for all the entities within the sub-region.

2. 30%

Tax advisory support and tax planning

• Monitoring implementation of the tax strategy for material increase of the Group’s operational activities taking into consideration the use of technological innovations (e.g. ePuma, eAviation) and specific anti-avoidance rules in local countries.
• Pro-actively provide day-to-day practical and insightful guidance & support on expansions via acquisition and organic growth projects & new lines of business (e.g. Infrastructure, Future energies).
• Monitoring Implementation of central Transfer pricing policy at sub-regional level and preparation of local transfer pricing documentation.

Monitoring implementation of tax benefits in respect of the recharges of management/service fees and brand licence fees to local opcos.

3. 20%

Tax working capital – Cash flow and cost management

• Implement & integrate in tax control processes, regional tax cash flow system on all within tax scope receivables & payables.
• Work with & provide guidance to local finance teams to achieve material reduction of mainly indirect & direct tax receivables.
• Pre-actively monitor and follow up with local tax authorities (and consultant, where relevant) to push for full recovery of all submitted tax refund claims.
• Provide monthly feedback report explaining all material indirect tax movements in the tax balances for all the sub-regional entities for monthly tax receivables reporting.

4. 20 %

Tax audit defense & Tax risk management

• Keep abreast with new tax developments in the sub-regional countries, particularly the direct/indirect tax changes impacting Puma downstream business.
• Ensure professional & productive working relationship with the tax administration of the sub-region.
• Accurately follow up with the finance team of your countries on an annual basis to ensure the review & completion of their tax meeting checklist form and monthly status review of the tax risk register for each entity of the sub-region.
• Take accountability for any follow up with the tax authorities in order to clear any query prior or during the tax audit process – this includes monthly review of the statement of account for the entities with the authorities and reconciling their tax receivables/payable status with the entities’ books.

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Degree in Tax/Accounting/Law
• At least 5-7 years’ experience in Tax, preferably within a tax audit division of a tax administration.

• Good knowledge of mid & downstream oil & gas’ indirect taxes in the sub-region would be an advantage

Skills & competencies:

• High potential profile
• Team player with ability to deal effectively with non-tax people
• Good verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex information
• Exposure to working in a large taxpayer office of a tax administration and having a good acumen for business
• Can work independently with strong organizational skills and excellent attention to detail.  
• Good command of English is a requirement. 
• Ability to travel within the sub-region.

Key Relationships and Department Overview:

• Internal – Global Tax Team, Sub-Regional GM and FM
• External – Auditors and tax/legal advisers