Direct Tax Manager

About ZEISS India

ZEISS is a global leader in optics and optoelectronics, driving innovation in healthcare, manufacturing, and research. With a strong presence in India, we operate across sales and services, manufacturing, and our Global Capability Center, driving excellence in every function.

Job purpose :

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Direct Tax Manager with expertise in related party transactions (RPT) to join our dynamic tax team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in corporate tax, transfer pricing, international tax and compliance regulations, particularly as they pertain to transactions between related entities. As a manager, you will lead the tax function, ensuring compliance, strategy formulation, and risk management across multiple functions / Divisions.

Main Accountabilities :

Managing Tax Compliance:

• Compile, Lead, and manage the preparation and review and file of direct tax returns, ensuring compliance with local tax laws, including corporate income tax and transfer pricing regulations.
• Filing of tax returns in a timely manner and ensure the correct application of tax rules for related party transactions.

Related Party Transactions:

• Provide expert advice and oversight on related party transactions, ensuring they are structured in compliance with applicable transfer pricing regulations.
• Periodical review and analyze intercompany agreements, contracts, markups / margins and transfer pricing documentation to ensure accurate reflection of market conditions and arm's length pricing.

Transfer Pricing:

• Develop, implement, and review transfer pricing policies and methodologies to align with global best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Manage transfer pricing documentation for global intercompany transactions to ensure compliance with local and international tax regulations.
• Provide support for transfer pricing audits, including liaising with tax authorities and managing all direct tax litigations.

Tax Planning & Advisory:

• Provide strategic input on tax planning opportunities related to corporate structuring, mergers, acquisitions, and cross-border transactions.
• Advise the business on the impact of related party transactions and work on optimizing tax efficiency while minimizing risks.
• Set standard clause in the purchase and service agreement on domestic and internal service provider on TDS deductions with terms and conditions.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with finance, legal, and operations teams to ensure that related party transactions are properly accounted for and structured to meet business objectives.
• Provide tax advice to business units and support other departments with tax-related queries.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Identify and mitigate tax risks related to related party transactions and ensure alignment with the company's overall tax strategy.
• Keep up to date with the latest tax legislation, regulations, and case law on transfer pricing and related party transactions.
• Periodical 360 degree risk analysis on all Direct Tax matters on entire business transactions.

Team Management:

• Manage and mentor junior tax professionals and provide guidance in preparing documentation and handling tax-related matters.
• Oversee the review of tax reporting and compliance work performed by team members.

Tax Audits and Assessments:

• Managing and responding to tax audits by the tax authorities, including gathering relevant documentation and working with auditors.
• Handling tax assessments and disputes, negotiating with tax authorities, and ensuring compliance with any audit findings.

International Taxation:

• Handling issues related to international taxation, including double taxation, tax treaties, and cross-border taxation matters.
• Advising on tax planning for multinational companies and structuring global transactions in a tax-efficient manner.

Job Specifications :

• Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting and professional qualification Chartered Accountant.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in direct taxation with a focus on related party transactions and transfer pricing.
• Proven track record in managing compliance and advisory services in complex tax scenarios.

Skills:

• Strong technical knowledge of corporate tax, transfer pricing, and international tax guidelines & regulations.