Head of VAT (Emiratization)

Client of James Douglas Middle East

Job Purpose

• Manage end-to-end VAT and indirect tax compliance, governance, and reporting across the Group, reporting directly to the Group Head of Tax.
• The role includes oversight of three direct reports and accountability for VAT and indirect tax obligations across UAE entities, Bahrain, Oman and other GCC jurisdictions as regulations evolve.
• Lead the Groups VAT governance framework by overseeing GCC VAT compliance obligations, e-invoicing mandates, and tax engine automation across multiple jurisdictions. Drive continuous innovation by embedding an AI-driven, technology-enabled mindset to enhance automation, accuracy, and future-proof the banks VAT governance framework.
• Provide VAT advisory and strategic guidance to all Groups/Divisions, ensuring alignment with local and international VAT laws, regulatory guidelines, and accounting standards.
• Deliver strategic input into tax risk management, oversight of system and process controls, and mitigation of exposures with potentially material financial and reputational impact at Group level.

Key Result Areas

• Lead Group-wide UAE VAT governance framework, embedding controls into finance and business processes.
• Oversee e-invoicing compliance and implementation, ensuring seamless integration into bank systems and customer journey.
• Manage direct reports, ensuring strong team capability and knowledge transfer.
• Drive automation, enhancement, and control of VAT tax engine and related MIS, ensuring system-driven accuracy and reconciliations.
• Champion an AI-driven and technology-enabled approach to VAT governance, leveraging analytics, automation, and digital tools to enhance compliance accuracy, operational efficiency, and future-proof the banks tax framework.
• Independently manage VAT filings and regulatory submissions with FTA (UAE), NBR (Bahrain), Oman (OTA) and other relevant authorities.
• Serve as primary liaison with tax authorities, external auditors, and advisors on VAT and indirect tax matters.
• Critically analyze complex transactions to determine VAT treatment, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Proactively manage tax authority examinations, audits, and queries, ensuring risks are mitigated.
• Develop periodic governance dashboards, risk reports, and analytics for Group CFO, CEO, and Board Audit Committee.
• Support special projects including new country entry, product launches, or regulatory changes impacting VAT.

Operating Environment, Framework and Boundaries, Working Relationships

• Operates in a multi-jurisdictional, high-exposure environment with continuously evolving tax laws and regulatory requirements.
• Engages extensively with Tax Authority (FTA, NBR) and Big 4 advisors.
• Requires continuous interaction with CFO, Group Heads, IT, Operations, Risk, Legal, Overseas Branches, and Subsidiaries to ensure VAT compliance is embedded in end-to-end processes.
• Oversight extends beyond UAE to Bahrain, Oman VAT, e-invoicing, and monitoring of GCC VAT developments for proactive compliance.

Problem Solving

• Deep analysis of cross-border transactions, system flows, and regulatory frameworks.
• Responsible for driving resolutions of discrepancies in tax engine outputs, addressing system limitations, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.
• Balances business enablement vs. compliance by applying practical, risk-based solutions.
• Strong judgment in handling potential exposures running into hundreds of millions AED.

Decision Making Authority & Responsibility

• Accountable for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of VAT regulatory filings.
• Decision authority on VAT treatment of new products, cross-border arrangements, and complex transactions.
• Oversight of VAT governance MIS and reporting dashboards for senior stakeholders.
• Responsible for leading tax audits and making representations before regulators.
• Authority to approve system configuration changes to the tax engine, directly impacting reporting and compliance.
• Manage team development, coaching, and performance assessments.