Role Overview:
The Lead – Taxation will be responsible for managing and leading the end-to-end direct and indirect tax compliance, advisory, and governance functions for Indian and overseas group entities, including charitable trusts. The role involves ensuring accurate and timely statutory compliance, managing tax risks, driving process improvements, and leading strategic tax initiatives. The incumbent will work closely with cross-functional teams across Finance, Legal, and Business to support operational and strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Tax Compliance & Advisory
- Manage all direct tax compliance activities, including advance tax, income tax returns, transfer pricing, TDS, lower/nil deduction certificates, and Tax Residency Certificates (TRC) for Indian and overseas entities.
- Oversee TDS compliance, including forecasting, calculation, coordination with Accounts Payable and Treasury for timely deposit and return filing.
- Review and file Form 15CA/CB for foreign remittances, ensuring accurate international tax analysis and documentation.
- Handle tax assessments, appeals, audits, and coordinate with statutory auditors and authorities across jurisdictions.
- Review inter-company transactions for adherence to transfer pricing policies and group agreements.
- Ensure accuracy in tax provisioning and deferred tax calculations during book closures.
- Prepare responses for tax notices, assessments, and provide litigation support.
- Lead strategic tax projects, including business restructuring, tax optimization, and advisory on complex tax matters.
- Monitor and implement changes in tax legislation, ensuring timely updates to internal processes.
- Provide day-to-day tax advisory support on TDS applicability, tax clauses in contracts, and related documentation.
- Conduct internal training and awareness sessions to strengthen organizational tax compliance culture.
Indirect Tax (GST, Customs & International VAT)
- Lead GST compliance across group entities, including return filings, reconciliations, audits, and system integrations (e-invoicing, e-way bills).
- Review and analyze GSTR 2A vs 3B reconciliations, addressing mismatches and ensuring timely resolution.
- Supervise customs compliance including review of Bills of Entry, export/import documentation, and utilization of EPCG and other benefits.
- Provide advisory on HSN classification, GST rate applicability, documentation, and supply chain movements.
- Handle indirect tax litigation, including preparation of responses to show-cause notices, discrepancy reports, and departmental audits.
- Analyze inter-company transactions under GST for valuation, compliance, and cross-border implications.
- Support VAT compliance and coordination with consultants in overseas jurisdictions.
- Collaborate with Finance and Audit teams for due diligence, internal, and statutory audits impacting indirect tax positions.
- Stay updated with changes in GST, Customs, and VAT laws, ensuring internal processes are aligned with regulatory requirements.
- Drive continuous process improvement and strengthen governance for indirect tax control and compliance.
Qualifications & Experience
- Chartered Accountant (CA) with a minimum of 10 -17 years of post-qualification experience in taxation.
- Proven expertise in direct and indirect tax compliance, advisory, and litigation management.
- Exposure to international taxation, transfer pricing, and foreign subsidiary compliance frameworks.
- Experience in handling tax matters for diversified business entities, including charitable organizations, preferred.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP/Tally) and MS Excel.
