Tax Accountant

JOB SUMMARY

The primary responsibility of the Tax Accountant is the Tax function, coordinating and managing all aspects of the local tax compliance. This entails support with the key compliance activities including but not limited to meeting local requirements of submission of Indirect/Direct Tax:

• VAT, Withholding Tax and Withholding VAT Returns
• Catering Levy
• PAYE
• Affordable Housing Levy
• National Industrial Training Authority levy
• Social Health Insurance Fund
• National Social Security Fund
• Pension 

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

• Preparation and review of all tax returns for the filing of tax within the stipulated timelines.
• Monitors all taxes that apply, ensuring that taxes are current, collected and/or accrued.
• Performing various tax reconciliations, coordinating with various teams and external stakeholders for resolving any unreconciled balances.
• Effectively manage the relationship with finance and accounting teams, Kenya Revenue Authority and local tax advisors to ensure income tax returns are properly prepared, filed timely and appropriately documented.
• Facilitate the collection of data required to ensure compliance with tax filing obligations including tax returns, information returns and tax payments.
• Preparing and collating information and supporting documentation required for tax assessments.
• Responsible for withholding tax issues and treaty clearance requirements arising from hotel operations, including verifying tax rates, set up / maintain proper withholding tax rates for application in the billing process, resolving billing disputes related to tax issues.
• Responsible for filing all taxes including but not limited to VAT, withholding tax, withholding VAT, PAYE, AHL, NITA, NSSF, SHIF, Pension and Catering Levy.
• Establishing effective working relationships with all team members and key stakeholders to meet compliance goals.
• Use relevant computer programs to verify details of recorded transactions.
• Provide regular training sessions to hotel finance teams
• Submits reports in a timely manner, ensuring delivery deadlines.
• Identify process improvements, especially technological enhancements
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CANDIDATE PROFILE  

• Up to 3 years’ experience in Tax and Financial accounting desired.
• Understanding of broader finance and accounting concept outside of taxation.
• Demonstrates personal integrity, self-confidence, energy and enthusiasm
• Advanced Excel skills and the ability to work with large amounts of data.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and evaluate data.
• Knowledge of Peoplesoft or other Financial Accounting systems is advantageous.
• Ability to establish and retain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• An ability to manage time efficiently.
• Knowledge of general accounting principles and accounting policies and procedures. This includes general accounting and financial reporting, tax, auditing, payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.

Education or Certification

• Bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting or related major.
• Studies in progress or completed for Accounting and/or Tax qualification (CPA Kenya, ACCA or equivalent).

Attributes, Knowledge, and Skills

• Demonstrates strong organizational and prioritization skills, high performance levels under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrates knowledge of job relevant issues, products, systems and processes.
• Keeps up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Good business process skills, ensuring compliance with existing processes and producing quality results.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative work environment.
• Must be able to communicate in English. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing on technical accounting and taxation issues.
• High degree of initiative, personal responsibility and integrity.
• Strong team player with problem solving skills.
• An appetite to learn.
• Self-motivated.
• Seeks out feedback and development opportunities.

Other

• Perform other related tasks as assigned by Management.
• Balance sheet account reconciliations as assigned by management.
• Compliance with Marriott International policies and procedures.
• Organize, secure, and maintain all files and records in accordance with document retention and confidentiality policies and procedures