Tax and Compliance Specialist at d.light

• The Tax and Compliance Specialist is a key role within d.light Kenya’s finance team, responsible for ensuring full compliance with local tax regulations and statutory requirements. This role plays a critical part in safeguarding the organization against tax risks, enhancing internal controls, and aligning with global tax strategies. By ensuring accuracy, adherence, and proactive management of tax matters, the Tax and Compliance Specialist directly contributes to d.light’s mission of transforming 1 billion lives while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance

Requirements

• Tax Compliance and Reporting
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation, submission, and reconciliation of statutory tax filings, including VAT, corporate income tax, PAYE, and other tax obligations.
• Maintain full compliance with Kenyan tax laws and proactively address potential tax risks.
• Prepare and manage tax schedules, ensuring alignment with financial reporting and audit standards.
• Collaborate with the Finance Controller to manage related party accounting and reconciliation.
• Tax Advisory and Transactional Tax Treatment
• Provide expert guidance on tax treatment for business transactions, including contracts, cross-border transactions, and capital expenditures.
• Advise on indirect tax implications, ensuring VAT and withholding tax compliance on payments to suppliers, contractors, and international entities.
• Evaluate new business initiatives, partnerships, and expansion projects for potential tax risks and benefits.
• Work with finance and legal teams to structure tax-efficient transactions in compliance with Kenyan and international tax laws.
• Tax Audits and Dispute Resolution
• Support the Finance Controller in coordinating tax audits and engagements with tax authorities.
• Respond to queries from tax authorities, ensuring timely resolution and mitigation of potential risks.
• Maintain detailed records and documentation to support tax filings, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Legislative Monitoring and Advisory
• Stay updated on evolving Kenyan tax laws and global tax regulatory changes, assessing their implications for business operations.
• Provide actionable recommendations to ensure the company's tax position is in full compliance.
• Internal Controls and Process Enhancement
• Collaborate with the Finance Controller and Group Tax Manager to develop, implement, and refine tax-related controls and procedures.
• Strengthen processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance in tax workflows.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in tax reporting and risk management.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with the Group Tax Manager to align with d.light’s global tax strategies, including transfer pricing and cross-border tax considerations.
• Partner with internal teams, including finance, legal, and operations, to ensure seamless integration of tax compliance within business processes.

Desired Skills and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Taxation.
• CPA, ACCA, or equivalent professional certification preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in tax compliance, audit, or regulatory reporting, preferably in a multinational or fast-paced environment.
• Proven expertise in Kenyan tax laws, including VAT, corporate tax, and payroll tax requirements.
• Experience managing tax audits, resolving disputes, and liaising with tax authorities.
• Experience in providing tax advisory for business transactions and operational tax planning is an added advantage.