Manager - Direct Tax.Finance at MTN

JOB DESCRIPTION

• To independently handle all direct tax compliance for MTN SA and Small companies in addition to providing key inputs to other key stakeholders on tax related issues. To legally minimise tax liabilities through informed application of tax laws and regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Task Complexity:

Tax Planning and Tax Controversy 

• Conduct reviews of contracts for direct tax impact and advise business units on best way to structure contracts to minimise risks for MTN SA and maximise tax efficiency
• Ensure that MTN SA makes use of all available tax deductions/allowances
• Provide inputs to the Tax Department with respect to lobbying with National Treasury for legislative changes favourable to MTN SA and other Small companies.
• Implement tax strategy as directed by Head of Tax

Tax Compliance

• Conduct reasonability and exception tests for direct taxes
• Prepare tax budgets as required
• Ensure tax compliance by MTN SA  group of companies with SARS administrative requirements, including timely and accurate submissions in respect of direct taxes
• Pro-actively identify and highlight potential tax risks areas and provide recommendations to resolve them. 
• Research and respond to tax notices/queries from SARS relating to direct tax timeously 
• Prepare transfer pricing local files for MTN SA
• Do benchmarking of new transactions for transfer pricing purposes utilising relevant system/tool.

Tax Risk Management

• Proactively engage with the business to identify and address direct tax risks
• Discuss potential direct tax risk areas Tax and provide recommendations to resolve
• Provide internal tax advisory services and support on business operations matters to business unit leaders
• Assist  to analyse the impact on MTN SA of changes in direct tax legislation or practice

Stakeholder Relationship

• Develop and maintain an effective working relationship with the tax authorities, relevant members of the business and functional teams, other members of the tax team and external service providers
• Maintain a good working relationship with clients to enhance customer satisfaction

Governance

Ad-hoc, operational and tactical meeting

• Set up / contribute in ad-hoc and operational meetings 
• Participate and provide input into tactical meetings
• Prepare documentation required for sign-off / making decisions regarding tactical changes
• Report at process and functional level

Escalations

• Escalate issues that will result in significant time, scope, employee / customer or cost impacts if not resolved
• Manage and provide solutions to issues that require formal resolution

Performance

• Take responsibility for own performance and development
• Keep abreast of the latest  Tax developments e.g. new legislation and proposed legislation changes 

Tax Accounting and Reporting

• Compile and prepare monthly tax computations 
• Prepare direct tax control account reconciliation by ensure compliance to company tax accounting principles throughout all MTN SA group of companies.
• Prepare and submit consolidated tax computations for RSA group companies
• Monitor and report on tax status compared to tax planning
• Prepare and submit reports for the Board and Audit Committee meetings of the various South African Operating Companies 
• Ensure automation of the tax accounting and reporting process
• Report periodically relating to progress made within the sub-division and in accordance with the measurement metrics set by the organisation
• Optimise efficiency by automating tax reporting using available tax reporting system (TRCS)

QUALIFICATIONS

Education 

• Minimum of BComm or Law degree and Higher Diploma in Tax or equivalent
• CA(SA) advantageous
• Articles at a top 5 audit firm or at a law firm will be an advantage
• Fluent in English 

Global Experience Standards 

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a Tax function
• Strong tax technical knowledge is a must
• Previous experience working within SARS or Consulting environment an added advantage
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies advantageous
• Experience working in a medium to large organization