Manager Tax at Kenya Airways

About the job

Job Purpose:

The Manager Tax is an integral member of the Finance team and is responsible for planning, advising and implementing tax legislations to ensure compliance with Group tax policy with minimum tax exposures while exploiting tax planning opportunities.

The role will oversee the overall day to day tax management and tax compliance for the group including tax reporting, adherence to tax laws and management of tax audits and timely implementation of tax law changes in Africa, Europe, Asia, Middle East and USA as well as partnering with business to drive the execution of tax strategies, policies and investments with huge tax savings.

The role will also work closely with all internal and external partners such as tax authorities, Government, Consulting firms, Government agencies, Civil Authorities and Airport Authorities among others; in all matters tax.

Principle Accountabilities:

Tax planning opportunities

• Design, advise and implement tax planning measures for the group to minimize tax exposures and maximize profitability.
• Implement and update the Group’s tax strategy and champion tax planning and proactively managing any tax risks across the group.
• Study and interpret tax laws with the view of Identifying and exploiting tax opportunities in the Kenya and the network/outstations so as to generate tax savings for the group.
• Establish, lodge and follow up tax refund claims with tax authorities (Kenya and Offshore) to fast track the refunds for cash flow purposes.

Tax amendments and exemptions

• Identify and lobby for tax amendments and exemptions with the various Ministries of Finance so as to reduce business operating costs.
• Review of the existing Bilateral Agreements and follow up on tax exemption on reciprocal basis to reduce the impact of double taxation.
• Continually lobby the Governments for finalization of Double Tax Treaties (DTAs) and rationalization of various taxes.

Tax advice on company’s projects, contracts and other initiatives

• Advise on various tax implications on company’s projects/initiatives so as to reduce tax exposures.
• Review, advise and negotiate for favourable tax clauses in the supplier contracts so as to reduce the burden of tax on the company.

Tax assessments and inquiries

• Analyze, object and resolve tax assessments and inquiries from various Revenue Authorities and other statutory bodies so as to vacate/reduce tax assessments.

Tax reporting and Compliance (Income Taxes, Withholding tax, VAT, APSC, Ticket taxes)

• Approve computation of current and deferred tax expenses for the group for financial reporting.
• Audit of outstations and subsidiaries to ensure tax compliance.
• Train staff on amendments in tax laws to ensure tax compliance.

Stakeholder management

• Manage relationships with the various revenue authorities (KRA, URA, TRA) on tax matters and ensure full compliance across the KQ network.
• Plan and execute monthly meetings with Key stakeholders in order to proactively maintain good working relationship.

Reconciliations

• Ensure all reconciliations for tax nominal are accurate and done on timely basis.

Budgeting and cost control

• Prepare budgets for tax section.
• Control cost to ensure operations within the budget.
• Plan for elimination of avoidable cost through internal audits as opposed to use of tax consultants.
• Monitor achievement of section deliverables throughout the year.

Team meeting and periodic reviews

• Plan, organize, control and direct the tax to ensure timely actions.
• Coordinate training activities for team to keep abreast of changes affecting business.
• Coordinate weekly meetings to review performance and progress.
• Leave management for the team with a view ensuring that staff take leave as planned.
• Coordinate Team work activities to foster morale and encourage team spirit.

Knowledge, Skills and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or any other business related fieldfrom a recognized university.
• Must possess full accounting qualification i.e. CPA finalist.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience at a senior management position in either a professional services firm or in an international organization.
• Deep understanding of Tax laws- Income Tax, VAT, Customs & Excise and statutory requirements.
• International tax Qualification with good knowledge of airline business.
• Expert on IFRS on tax & payroll and transfer pricing policies and implementation.
• Superior team leadership, team working and co-operation skills with the ability to influence positively and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and interpersonal skills as well as excellent communication skills.
• Must be a person of unquestionable integrity.

Behavioural Competences:

• Teamwork/team player.
• Results oriented.
• Proactive & Self-starter
• Attention to details and accuracy.
• Good organizational skills.