Tax Accountant at Diageo

Job Description

Reports To: Financial Controller

Context/Scope

Global Diageo Business Services (GDBS) is a global multi-functional shared service entity that processes DIAGEO-wide transactions across various world regions.

Africa Business Service Centre (ABSC) is a Diageo Business Shared Services Centre (BSS) servicing the Diageo Africa markets. The Africa BSS Centre (ABSC) works closely with Africa Market teams and Diageo BSS Centre in Bangalore India (DBSI) in the provision of services to the Diageo Africa markets.

Dimensions

Tax Accountant reports directly to the Financial Controller but supports markets closely.

For the geographical area it represents, it is the liaison between the country director and the different controller functions, ABSC in general, in-country commercial finance & external stakeholders such as auditors and tax authorities

Market Complexity

Africa Business Services Centre (ABSC) Nairobi currently provides services to 20 legal business entities in different geographies across Africa using SAP as the accounting / enterprise system.

The Diageo Africa business comprises integrated Supply and Demand entities producing beer, spirits, Ready To Drinks (RTD) –alcoholic & non-alcoholic in various plants across the region.

Purpose of Role

The role will give support to various functions across the Africa markets working closely with both the Finance, Legal and Corporate Relations teams in achieving the Tax Compliance Agenda through filing of the correct and complete returns and helping the market make accurate tax forecasts based on current and future operations.

There is a high degree of self-sufficiency required in the role with direct accountability to help deliver initiatives for various stakeholders

A key output from the tax analysis is aggregating the risks & opportunities from the tax reporting process, required actions determined and communicated to senior management. Accuracy and completeness of the financial data generated is of key importance to ensure risks are mitigated appropriately and opportunities recognized and pursued.

Top Accountabilities

• Support the Tax Manager in providing leadership and direction to the business (e.g. Production, logistics, Customer Service, Procurement, marketing, tax team and senior management) on various Tax issues.
• Implementing the market Tax agenda, minimizing tax risks relating to imports and exports of raw materials and finished goods, licensing, duty remission schemes and exemption programmes, excise duty and other direct and indirect tax areas with a key focus on compliance.
• Provide technical support and guidance on Tax matters.
• Streamline tax processes and set up controls on tax risks and opportunities.
• Work closely with the Supply Chain, Legal and Corporate Relations and the wider. Africa Markets team in implementing various tax regulatory issues impacting the business.

Leadership Responsibilities

The Tax Accountant is a role within ABSC Financial Controlling Team based in Nairobi and requires supportive and challenging business partnering. Success is entirely dependent on managing and maintaining excellent relationship with Market Finance and teams in other functions.

Key Stakeholders Include

• FD and their Finance Leadership teams
• Market tax manager
• GDBS and other Global Diageo teams including Diageo Group Tax team

Qualifications

Qualifications and Experience Required

• Qualified Professional Accountant- CPA(K)/ACCA/ACMA
• Degree in business related studies

Work Experience

• At least 2 years’ experience within a tax function in a multinational (preferred), a tax advisory firm or Revenue Authority (Customs)
• At least 3 – 5 years working experience in a reputable commercial organisation or tax advisory firm.
• Application of tax knowledge to commercial agenda
• Experience in working with multi-faceted teams, ability to coach others towards achieving set goals, and influencing skills at a senior level
• Sound judgment regarding acceptable levels of tax risk
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Regional Exposure an added advantage

Language skills

Demonstrated English proficiency (read, write and speak)

Functional Capabilities:

• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Systems knowledge
• Relevant experience with integrated systems such as SAP is an advantage.
• MS applications (PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Word, etc.)
• BFC knowledge is an advantage

Barriers to Success in Role

• Lack of understanding Africa Markets operating structure and tax issues
• Inability to balance a diverse and complex agenda
• Lack of energy and drive as well as inability to lead or influence at senior level
• Inability to make decisions to meet time-based deadlines.
• Inability to work autonomously