Role Purpose
The Head Taxation will lead the end-to-end tax function for the organization, ensuring robust tax governance, compliance, litigation management, and strategic tax planning across geographies. The role will drive Direct Tax, Transfer Pricing, and tax litigation strategy while partnering closely with business, finance, and external advisors to support sustainable growth in a complex multinational environment.
Key Responsibilities
Tax Strategy & Governance
- Define and implement the overall tax strategy aligned with business objectives and regulatory frameworks.
- Establish strong tax governance, controls, and risk management practices across group entities.
- Act as the key tax advisor to senior leadership, including CFO and ExCom, on complex tax matters.
Direct Tax & Litigation
- Lead and manage all direct tax matters, including assessments, appeals, audits, and litigation.
- Represent the organization before tax authorities, appellate forums, tribunals, and courts.
- Coordinate with external tax advisors, counsels, and Big-4 firms to manage litigation effectively.
- Drive resolution of legacy tax issues and mitigate future tax risks.
Transfer Pricing
- Own the global Transfer Pricing framework, including policy design, documentation, and compliance.
- Oversee TP audits, litigation, and negotiations (APA / MAP where applicable).
- Ensure alignment of TP policies with business models and OECD / BEPS guidelines.
Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure timely and accurate filing of tax returns, tax provisions, and statutory disclosures.
- Review tax provisions, deferred taxes, and disclosures as per accounting standards (Ind AS / IFRS).
- Support internal and external audits with respect to tax matters.
Business Partnering
- Partner with business, finance, legal, and HR teams on structuring, M&A, cross-border transactions, and new market entries.
- Evaluate tax implications of strategic initiatives, supply chain changes, and restructuring.
- Drive tax efficiency while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
Team Leadership
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing tax team across locations.
- Drive capability building and succession planning within the tax function.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong expertise in Direct Tax, Tax Litigation, and Transfer Pricing
- In-depth knowledge of Indian tax laws and international taxation principles
- Experience handling complex tax matters for large MNCs
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Strategic mindset with high attention to detail and risk orientation
- Ability to work in a matrixed, global environment
Qualifications & Experience
- Chartered Accountant (CA) / MBA (Finance) / LLM (Tax) or equivalent
- 15+ years of progressive experience in taxation for large MNCs
- Proven track record in managing tax litigation and transfer pricing audits
- Prior experience with Big-4 firms and/or large multinational corporations preferred
