Purpose of Role:

The Statutory and Tax Reporting Lead will play a crucial role in ensuring accurate and efficient tax planning, reporting, and compliance for all entities of EY in the UAE.

Reports to: Associate Director  

Grade: Assistant Director

Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee operations of local and outsourced accounting processes which includes month and year-end process, AP/AR, general ledger and balance reconciliations, capital assets reconciliations.
• Establish and enforce proper accounting methods, policies and principles which should include regular review, analysis and reconciliation of general ledger; continuous systems review, provide recommendations, improve systems and procedures, and initiate corrective actions.
• Creation and maintenance of compliance calendar ensuring timely submission of external financial reporting deliverables.
• Analysis of statutory reports and commentaries
• Work collaboratively with regional and offshore shared services team to achieve reporting deadlines with accuracy and integrity.
• Liaising with internal and external auditors with respect to financial audits/ICV audits and coordinating with other parts of Finance and Business to provide audit requirements
• Actively participate on month end close to identify and post statutory ledger adjustments
• Preparation of statutory financial statements and related audit schedules
• Preparation of information requested by reporting authorities
• Preparation of statements and carry out reporting as per requirement in each country
• Review VAT reporting package received from GDS before arranging approval from country tax lead
• Submission of VAT returns
• Regularly review VAT GL accounts and transactions to ensure that VAT are properly recorded
• Communicate to AP team or billing team any issues identified during review together with proposed corrective action
• Ensure accurate, timely filing of ESR notification and report
• Facilitate and manage the preparation and review of company tax returns and the accurate, timely filing of all tax forms
• Ensure accurate, timely filing of income tax returns and other business related filings
• Manage and facilitate income tax audits, preparing responses, creating schedules, etc
• Monitor legislative and regulatory tax law developments, communicate the effects of these developments to management and the team and create strategies to capitalize on changes to taxation legislation
• Provide support with various internal audits and special tax related projects
• Review tax returns and quarterly/yearly tax projections
• Provide or arrange to provide advise from an Accounting, Statutory, Tax reporting perspective that may be required by engagement teams or other functions in carrying out their respective tasks

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.  Master's degree or relevant certification (e.g., CA, CPA, CMA) is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE tax laws, regulations, and compliance requirements
• Advanced understanding of ICV certification process
• Experience in tax planning, compliance, and reporting for businesses operating within the UAE.
• Proficiency in relevant accounting software
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex tax laws and regulations
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines
• Prior experience in liaising with tax authorities and handling tax audits is a plus