"Tax Manager - Accounting"

NYU Abu Dhabi is pioneering a new model of higher education for a global world, dedicated to excellence in teaching and research and to advancing cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. Drawing on the strengths of the NYU global network, it offers an outstanding liberal arts and sciences education to students from the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and around the world, with a distinctive focus on intercultural understanding and leadership. It supports innovative research and graduate education programs that push forward the frontiers of knowledge and respond in powerful and interdisciplinary ways to vital global and local challenges.

Position Summary

Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint a Tax Manager reporting to Director of Financial Operations and Strategic Initiatives.

The candidate will require a strong background in indirect tax and direct tax in the UAE. The role is responsible for in-depth review of supporting documentation to identify the nature of transaction and determine tax recovery treatment. The incumbent is required to keep up to date with all changes in the tax regulations and provide advice to the various stakeholders within the University to ensure that all transactions, programs and projects that would attract tax implications are accounted for and reconciled. This role also requires liaison with various UAE regulatory and external bodies.

In addition to the above one would need working knowledge of GCC and international tax legislation, including direct tax and indirect tax. Proven experience in managing complex tax compliance matters and tax audits.

Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills coupled with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.

Tax Manager would lead internal Tax technology implementations (including Tax Dashboard, Tax Matrix, E-Return, E-Invoicing etc.), hold technical design discussions with IT Team to implement new process coupled Tax accounting knowledge to identify potential calculation/system challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Detection and evaluation of risks as well as opportunities regarding respective tax issues (CIT, VAT, TP & WHT where applicable across the GCC and other jurisdictions)
• Act as a focal point for all tax related matters
• Identifying potential tax planning opportunities within the remit of the tax legislation
• Working with internal stakeholders to define, implement, review and improve quality control, including identification of internal risks and solution to mitigate them
• Closely monitor changes in tax legislation across the GCC region, proactively identifying potential impacts on the business and advising on mitigation strategies
• Identify opportunities to optimize tax positions and mitigate tax risks, contributing to the overall financial health of the company
• Design and produce quarterly VAT Performance Dashboard
• Manage and prepare annual corporate income tax returns and periodic VAT returns (both UAE and KSA (if applicable), ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Oversee the preparation of transfer pricing documentation (if applicable), collaborating closely with external advisors and internal stakeholders
• Manage and prepare VAT refunds and Voluntary Disclosures if applicable
• Support the implementation of relevant tax updates and training for finance, accounting, internal control, and other departments as needed, for example, the implementation of E-invoicing as required by the UAE legislation which will involve managing multiple internal and external stakeholders, working closely with consultants and external providers
• Foster strong working relationships with colleagues across various functions (finance, accounting, controlling, legal, IT, etc.) and within the broader tax community including delivering tax related workshops to internal groups and departments
• Discuss the different solutions and how to use ancillary technology to automate/streamline the VAT/Tax process
• Other activities / responsibilities related to overall Departmental function, as may be assigned from time to time
• Responsibility for ensuring data collection, review, recovery assessment, system reconciliation, preparation, filing and payment/refund of VAT
• Responsibility for ensuring accuracy and completeness of accounting for VAT in the general ledger in accordance with business timetable
• Ownership of process for the preparation, validation and filing of Quarterly VAT returns in compliance with the UAE VAT regulations
• Review vendor and customer contracts and other engagements to rationalize any VAT implications for business and operational requirements
• Maintaining accurate accounts and mandatory tax records of the company and dealing with financial irregularities and taking remedial measures to rectify the same
• Responsibility for ensuring any changes in the business are understood and the appropriate actions planned and taken to ensure proper reporting and compliance of VAT
• Development and implementation of continuous improvement plan to drive increased quality, efficiency and exceed stakeholder expectations

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field

Preferred Education:

• Master's degree in ACCA/CA/CPA or similar professional qualification will be preferred

Required Experience:

• 5+ years of finance and VAT/indirect tax experience. Experience in higher education institutions, multi-national organization, and / or highly decentralized organization will be considered an advantage. Experience in VAT functional and technical implementation
• Strong working knowledge of MS Excel and Oracle based ERP systems

Preferred Experience:

• Demonstrated high level of technical skills with computer-based systems, data compilation, and analytics. Driven by timelines; ability to set priorities and to work comfortably in a fast-paced, fluid, deadline driven environment while providing accurate information
• Ability to work independently, with stated objectives and only general guidance and oversight
• Excellent oral presentation, written communication and organizational skills