Head of Tax and Compliance

Ghobash Trading & Investment (GTI) is actively engaged in multi-asset class investment activities across various geographies. These activities are carried out by a highly qualified and experienced in-house team of investment professionals. The team uses an ‘Asset Allocation Matrix’ to realize risk adjusted returns on invested capital over a long-term period.

The Company’s investment activities include direct investments in startups, taking stakes in established businesses, acquisitions of business enterprises and setting-up new businesses through collaborative joint venture route.

GTI is also active in private financial investments, including private equity and debt, venture capital, real estate, and publicly listed financial investments.

As Head of Tax, the role involves overseeing all aspects of tax operations, including guiding the development and implementation of tax strategy, management systems, and control frameworks. The Head of Tax will provide strategic tax advisory services to support corporate operations and various functions, while managing global tax compliance such as Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), transfer pricing, and country-by-country reporting. They will ensure effective management of the company's tax rate (ETR), review tax disclosures and deferred tax liabilities, and handle new tax implementations and uncertain tax positions across multiple countries. Additionally, the role includes ensuring compliance with Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) requirements. This role will collaborate closely with corporate and regional teams, offering crucial tax insights and guidance on business plans, tax assessments, digital expansions, market entries, and other strategic corporate initiatives.

Strategic Tax Planning and Compliance

• Market awareness regarding the relevant tax legislative changes and manage the group’s tax regime (e.g., VAT, UAE corporate tax, transfer pricing and international tax).
• Conduct tax impact assessments, analyze transaction flows, and provide strategic advice and training.
• Initiate and execute Tax Optimization and Planning opportunities to maximize tax efficiencies.
• Optimize and simplify the Group's legal entity structure from a Tax and Regulatory perspective where applicable.
• Support management in compliance with global tax regulations such as CBCR, BEPS Pillar 1 and 2, Global Minimum Tax, ESR and UBO.
• Establish control procedures and best practices for various tax processes to ensure effectiveness and accuracy.

Tax Reporting and Compliance Management

• Manage the preparation and filing of corporate tax, VAT and any other tax returns for relevant geographies within the group, ensuring timely submission.
• Develop a comprehensive return calendar and coordinate with finance teams and external consultants for timely submissions.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory tax law developments and communicate their impact to management.
• Identify and mitigate tax risks within entities through effective strategies.
• Manage tax audits and assessments of group entities, ensuring compliance with local tax laws.
• Review VAT procedures and business processes to ensure adherence to local VAT regulations.
• Review Transfer Pricing procedures and intercompany transactions for compliance and advise accordingly.
• Prepare and file Country-by-Country Reports and ensure correct FATCA/CRS disclosures.
• File Economic Substance declarations (ESR) as required by local regulations.
• Regularly review processes to prevent tax leakages and ensure compliance.

Operational Tax Management

• Implement and maintain effective tax control procedures and best practices across the organization.
• Provide guidance and training to local country tax and finance teams on tax compliance matters.
• Review foreign provision packages, tax returns, and disclosures in consolidated financial statements.
• Support business units with tax implications of transactions, digital expansions, and new market entries.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align tax strategies with overall business objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement and Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact within the company for tax-related advice and guidance.
• Develop and cultivate relationships across the organization to ensure effective evaluation of tax principles.
• Educate and raise awareness of tax risks and implications throughout the business.
• Mentor the finance team members in tax, foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior management on tax-related matters and contribute to business strategy formulation.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree, complemented by professional certification in Tax (e.g., CTA).
• Additional professional certification in Accounting (e.g., ACA, CPA, ACCA) is highly desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in tax management, with at least 3 years in a management role.
• Proven track record of operational management, strategic planning, and project management in tax related roles
• Understanding of various tax structures and international taxes, regulatory environments, and market dynamics
• Experience in a family conglomerate or diversified business environment is a plus.
• Experience in industries relevant to Ghobash Group’s portfolio, such as technology, healthcare, industrial, and financial assets.
• Proven track record in leading and managing change initiatives, particularly those related to tax management frameworks and practices.

Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of tax principles, methodologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with international tax practices and regulations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Proactive and results-oriented, with a strong sense of accountability.
• Ability to lead and manage change initiatives related to tax management frameworks and practices.
• Ability to think strategically and contribute to the company’s long-term tax planning and compliance strategies.
• Proficiency in written and spoken Arabic is preferred.