Bharti AXA Life

Job Title: Head - Taxation Location: Malad, Mumbai Main Purpose of Job:A senior leadership role responsible to purpose is to lead, manage, and strategize the entire Direct and Indirect Tax function of the Life Insurance Company. This involves ensuring absolute tax compliance with all Indian tax laws (Income Tax, GST, TDS, etc.), optimizing the company's tax position, effectively managing tax risk and litigation, and providing strategic tax advisory to the senior management and business units, considering the unique regulatory and product related tax implications in the life insurance industry (e.g., Section 10(10D), 80C, etc.).JOB RESPONSIBLITIES:A. Tax Strategy and Planning:- Strategic Tax Optimization: Develop and implement effective and compliant tax strategies to legally minimize tax liabilities (Direct and Indirect Taxes) and maximize tax benefits for the company and its products. - Business Advisory: Act as the key tax advisor to the leadership team and business units (Product Development, Finance, Legal) on the tax implications of new products, transactions, organizational changes, and business structuring. - Monitoring and Analysis: Continuously monitor changes in Indian tax laws, regulations, and judicial pronouncements (especially those impacting the insurance sector) and proactively assess their potential impact on the company's financial results and business operations. B. Tax Compliance and Reporting - Compliance Management: Ensure timely and accurate calculation, payment, and filing of all Direct Taxes (Income Tax, Advance Tax, TDS) and Indirect Taxes (GST) returns across all states/locations (PAN India). - Tax Provisioning: Oversee the accurate computation and reporting of tax provisions in the financial statements (as per IFRS/IND AS/GAAP) and managing the deferred tax assets/liabilities. - Documentation: Ensure robust internal controls, maintenance of comprehensive tax records, and supporting documentation for all tax positions taken by the company. C. Tax Audit, Litigation, and Risk Management - Tax Audits: Lead and manage all tax audits, assessments, scrutiny proceedings, and inquiries initiated by tax authorities (Income Tax, GST). - Litigation Management: Manage and direct all tax-related litigation, appeals, and dispute resolution processes, liaising closely with internal legal teams and external tax counsel/consultants. - Risk Mitigation: Identify and assess potential tax risks for the company and implement strong mitigation strategies to ensure the company's tax affairs are compliant and risk-managed. D. Investment Operations and IFRS - Additional focus. E. Leadership and Stakeholder Management - Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop the in-house taxation team to maintain a high level of technical competence and operational efficiency. - Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for all interactions with tax authorities, regulatory bodies, external auditors, and tax consultants. - Process Improvement: Drive automation and improvement of tax processes using technology (e.g., ERP, tax software) to enhance efficiency and accuracy. QUALIFICATIONS:- Overall Experience: A minimum of 15+ years of progressive, relevant experience in the field of Direct and Indirect Taxation. - Sector-Specific Experience: Significant experience (preferably 5+ years) in the Life Insurance, BFSI sector or a large Financial Services Institution or a Consulting firm is crucial due to the highly specialized tax laws affecting insurance products and companies. - Leadership Experience: Proven experience leading and managing a mid-to-large-sized tax team. - Mandatory Professional Qualification: Chartered Accountant (CA) from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is typically essential. Educational Background: - A Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Accounting, or Finance is required. - A degree in Law (LL.B.) or a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Finance is often preferred. - Additional Certifications: Specialized tax certifications or courses are a plus. WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: - In-depth, expert-level knowledge of the Income Tax Act, 1961, specifically provisions relevant to insurance companies and their products (e.g., Section 10(10D), Section 194DA, Section 80C). - Strong working knowledge of GST, Customs, and other Indirect Taxes. - Hands-on experience in managing complex tax assessments, audits, and litigation matters. - Experience with Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) compliance and return filing (Forms 24Q, 26Q, etc.). - Familiarity with financial reporting standards (IND AS/IFRS) related to tax accounting and provisioning. (ref:iimjobs.com)