Direct Tax Head

VA Tech Wabag is seeking a seasoned professional to lead the Direct Tax function across India, the Middle East, and Africa. This role requires in-depth knowledge of regional tax regulations, compliance requirements, and transactional nuances, with a focus on income tax, TDS, and financial audits. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of ensuring tax compliance, optimizing tax processes, and managing cross-border tax complexities in a dynamic business environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Tax Compliance and Strategy:
2. Develop and implement direct tax strategies in line with regulations in India, the Middle East, and Africa.
3. Ensure compliance with income tax laws, tax deducted at source (TDS) requirements, and payment due dates across all jurisdictions.
4. Optimize tax structures to enhance cost efficiency while adhering to legal requirements.
5. TDS Management:
6. Identify transactions attracting TDS, assess applicability, and ensure timely remittance as per statutory guidelines.
7. Oversee the process for filing monthly, quarterly, and annual TDS returns.
8. Monitor and ensure accuracy in the reconciliation of TDS payments, deductions, and filings.
9. Financial Audits and Tax Reporting:
10. Conduct thorough audits of financial books to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations.
11. Manage tax-related aspects of audits, including statutory and internal audits, ensuring accurate documentation and reporting.
12. Monitor the status of tax payables, refunds, and professional fee obligations to maintain compliance and efficiency.
13. Cross-Border Taxation:
14. Handle cross-border transactions, including transfer pricing, permanent establishment issues, and treaty benefits, ensuring adherence to international tax laws and OECD guidelines.
15. Ensure compliance with BEPS and double taxation avoidance agreements across regions.
16. Process Excellence and Timeliness:
17. Establish efficient processes for timely tax payments, filings, and documentation.
18. Implement robust internal controls to track compliance deadlines and mitigate risks.
19. Develop a calendar for due dates and ensure strict adherence to avoid penalties.
20. Stakeholder and Team Collaboration:
21. Work closely with finance, legal, and operational teams to integrate tax considerations into business decisions.
22. Lead and mentor a team of tax professionals, fostering skill development and compliance focus.
23. Act as a liaison with tax authorities, external consultants, and auditors for audits, assessments, and clarifications.
24. Tax Refunds and Liabilities:
25. Monitor the status of payable and refund dues, ensuring timely follow-ups for refunds.
26. Manage professional fee payments related to tax filings and consulting engagements.

Qualifications:

• Education: Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent qualification. Additional certifications in international taxation will be an advantage.
• Experience: At least 18 years of experience in direct taxation, including income tax, TDS, audits, and compliance, with significant exposure to India, the Middle East, and Africa.
• Skills:
• Expertise in direct tax laws, TDS regulations, and international tax compliance.
• Strong understanding of financial audits and reporting requirements.
• Ability to manage complex tax environments across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Competencies:

• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage deadlines and maintain process efficiency.
• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across departments and regions.
• High level of integrity and commitment to ethical practices.