Role Overview
The Senior Associate Direct Tax will independently manage direct tax compliance, tax audits, assessments, and advisory assignments for corporate and noncorporate clients. This role demands strong technical knowledge of the Income Tax Act, practical experience in handling tax matters endtoend, and the ability to guide junior team members.
Key Responsibilities
1. Direct Tax Compliance
- Independently review and file Income Tax Returns for Companies, LLPs, Firms, and Individuals.
- Prepare and review Tax Audit Reports (Form 3CD) including detailed clausewise analysis.
- Compute and review advance tax, MAT calculations, and deferred tax workings.
- Review AIS/TIS/26AS reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
- Ensure timely filing of all statutory forms, responses, and disclosures.
2. Assessments, Appeals & Litigation Support
- Handle scrutiny assessments (143(2)), limited scrutiny, and reassessment proceedings (148) independently.
- Draft and review detailed submissions, reply to statutory notices under various sections.
- Coordinate with tax authorities, represent clients during hearings, and maintain assessment files.
- Assist senior managers/partners in appeal preparation, documentation, and legal research.
3. TDS & Withholding Tax
- Guide junior staff in TDS compliance, including monthly workings and quarterly return filing.
- Review TDS applicability under sections such as 194C, 194J, 194Q, 195 etc.
- Resolve default notices (short deduction, late fee, interest) and handle TDS assessments.
- Manage vendor queries and provide clarity on withholding tax positions.
4. Advisory & Tax Planning
- Conduct research and prepare technical notes on amendments, circulars, and rulings.
- Advise clients on capital gains, remuneration structures, business tax impacts, and exemptions.
- Support clients on crossborder taxation, DTAA interpretation, and withholding tax matters.
- Participate in internal discussions on tax positions and risk assessment.
5. Review, Documentation & Team Support
- Review working papers prepared by analysts/junior executives.
- Maintain complete documentation, trackers, and management reports.
- Train new team members on tax tools, procedures, and technical concepts.
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives and automation of tax workflows.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Chartered Accountant preferred.
- 3 - 5 years of handson experience in Direct Tax (CA firm or corporate tax team).
- Strong understanding of the Income Tax Act, Tax Audit, and assessment procedures.
- Proficiency in ITR filing utilities, TDS software, Excel (advanced functions), and presentation skills.
- Good drafting skills for notices, submissions, and advisory notes.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and work independently.
Key Competencies
- Technical accuracy and analytical depth
- Ownership and accountability
- Deadline management
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Strong communication and stakeholder handling
- Problem-solving and tax research skills
About us:
PKF Sridhar and Santhanam LLP is an independent networking firm and an exclusive member in India for PKF International providing local expertise in accounting and business advisory services across the Globe.
Life at PKF S&S LLP
At PKF, our people are our greatest strength. We are committed to building an inclusive, collaborative, and non-hierarchical workplace where every voice is valued. Our team comprises exceptionally talented professionals many recognized as leaders in their fields who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We believe in nurturing talent through continuous learning, hands-on mentorship, and robust training programs, fostering a culture that embraces fresh ideas and different ways of thinking. As part of PKF, you will have the guidance of accomplished industry leaders to help you grow into the best version of your professional self, while contributing meaningfully to the future and success of our firm.
