Corporate Director – Indirect Tax

IHCL and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers, and ranked as World's Strongest Hotel Brand and India's Strongest Brand across sectors as per Brand Finance Hotels 50 and India 100 reports 2024 respectively; SeleQtions, a named collection of handpicked, storied hotels; Vivanta, a chain of contemporary upscale hotels that celebrate joie de vivre; Ginger, a brand that is revolutionizing the lean-luxe segment, and amã Stays & Trails, a charming portfolio of private bungalows and villas set in picturesque locales. Along with our varied and latest offerings like Gateway, The Claridges Collection, Tree of Life,The Clarks Hotels and Resorts and TajSATs, IHCL has evolved from a Branded House to a House of Brands, offering a diverse portfolio across luxury, upscale, lean luxe, and homestay segments.

Position Overview

The Corporate Director – Indirect Tax will lead the Group's GST function at the Corporate Office, overseeing advisory, compliance, audits, litigation, and governance across multiple hotels and legal entities. This is an Indirect Tax Head position responsible for optimizing GST positions, strengthening tax governance, managing disputes, and partnering with business teams on indirect tax implications arising from operations, new offerings, contracts, and strategic initiatives. The role operates under the guidance of the Vice President.

Key Responsibilities

Indirect Tax Strategy & Advisory

• Act as the GST Centre of Excellence at Corporate Office, providing strategic advisory and guidance across all hotels and group component entities.
• Advise business and operating teams on new offerings, products, and services, ensuring optimal GST structuring and compliance.
• Evaluate and provide tax guidance on new contracts, business restructuring initiatives and strategic transactions.
• Assess GST implications of related‑party and inter‑company transactions to ensure compliance and efficiency.

GST Compliance & Reporting

• Oversee and track GST compliance across all units and legal entities, proactively identifying and escalating deviations or non‑compliances.
• Review and validate GST positions, tax classifications, and supporting documentation to ensure readiness and consistency across the Group.
• Prepare and present periodic dashboards capturing key GST metrics, including filing status, potential GST exposures, and identified revenue leakages, for management review.
• Design and conduct regular training and awareness programs on GST regulations, compliance obligations, and best practices for hotel operations and functional teams.

Litigation, Audits & Assessments

• Manage GST audits, departmental notices, investigations, summons and litigation.
• Monitor and track the ongoing cases/ audits to develop response strategies and represent the organization before authorities.
• Co-ordinate with external advisors, legal counsel and tax department.
• Conduct technical research, analyze case histories, and draft submission for representation before tax authorities including AO, Commissioner (Appeal), and GSTAT
• Support senior team members and external consultants in representing cases before tax authorities.

Tax Accounting/Reporting and Digitization

• Support statutory and internal audits from a tax perspective.
• Strengthen internal controls, SOPs, and tax governance frameworks.
• Drive and contribute process enhancements in SAP S/4HANApertaining to tax related report configurations and workflows.
• Contribute to digitization initiatives and automation projects aimed at improving compliance efficiency and accuracy.

Business Partnering & Governance

• Maintain strong coordination with Hotel & Regional GST teams and cross-functional teams to ensure effective tax governance across units.
• Conduct training sessions and awareness programs on tax regulations and compliance expectations.
• Promote standardization and uniformity in tax practicesacross the organization.
• Advise Finance, Procurement, Sales, and Product teams on indirect tax impact

Skills & Experience Requirements

Educational Qualification

• Chartered Accountant (CA)

Experience

• 10-15 years post-qualification experience in Indirect Taxation.
• Prior experience in Big 4, large consulting firms, or corporate tax departments preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of the GST Act, Rules
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of SAP S/4HANAis preferred.
• Good understanding of accounting is preferred

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and research capabilities.
• Expertise in drafting, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong ethical judgment and sound understanding of tax governance