Tax Accountant

About the Role

The Tax / VAT Accountant will play a key role in ensuring the company meets its UAE tax compliance obligations. The primary focus will be on overseeing VAT documentation, preparing VAT returns, reviewing financial transactions for correct VAT treatment, and ensuring timely submission to the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Maintaining accurate and complete tax records aligned with UAE VAT regulations is essential to this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Validate VAT-related invoices, credit and debit notes, and all purchase and sales documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Compile and organize the necessary documentation and schedules required for VAT returns preparation and filing.
• Review transactions to ensure they reflect accurate VAT tax codes, rates, and treatments.
• Reconcile VAT accounts against accounting records and investigate any inconsistencies.
• Prepare VAT working papers and supporting schedules for submission and review.
• Ensure VAT returns are prepared and submitted punctually to the FTA.
• Maintain systematically organized VAT records in adherence with UAE regulations.
• Verify that tax invoices meet VAT documentation standards.
• Coordinate with various departments such as Finance, Accounts Payable, and Receivables to gather missing or necessary tax documents.
• Provide support during FTA queries, requests for clarifications, and correspondence related to VAT.
• Assist in the preparation of documents required for VAT audits, inspections, and reviews.
• Track VAT filing deadlines to ensure compliance with tax obligations.
• Identify potential compliance problems and raise issues or risks to the management promptly.
• Keep abreast of UAE VAT and tax regulatory changes and inform the finance team accordingly.
• Perform additional tax and accounting duties as directed by management.

UAE Tax Compliance

• Manage daily VAT compliance activities in the UAE.
• Assess tax documents and supporting evidence prior to VAT filing.
• Ensure proper VAT classification of financial transactions.
• Support maintenance of accurate VAT records and reconciliations.
• Assist management and external consultants with tax reviews and audits.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Between 2 and 4 years of UAE experience focused on Tax/VAT accounting.
• Hands-on experience in preparing and filing UAE VAT returns.
• Proven experience in reviewing VAT invoices and associated tax documentation.
• Experience interacting with FTA for queries, audits, or compliance is a plus.
• Familiarity with ERP or accounting software platforms is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Comprehensive knowledge of UAE VAT regulations and FTA compliance requirements.
• Expertise in VAT accounting and maintaining tax documentation.
• Exceptional attention to detail with strong document review capabilities.
• Skilled in reconciliation and analytical evaluation.
• Ability to detect discrepancies and compliance risks effectively.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting systems.
• Strong communication and interdepartmental coordination abilities.
• Capability to adhere strict deadlines for tax filings.

Performance Metrics

• Accurate and punctual submission of VAT returns.
• Precision in VAT calculations and reconciliation processes.
• Completeness and correctness of supporting VAT documentation.
• Consistent adherence to UAE VAT and FTA guidelines.
• Timely handling and resolution of VAT discrepancies.
• Proper upkeep of tax records and associated paperwork.