VAT Specialist

Job Purpose:

The role holder will be mainly responsible to perform business analysis activities not limited to below:

• Ensure end-to-end VAT compliance and system implementation across GCC operations, with a focus on telecom-specific processes.
• Act as a bridge between business, finance, tax, and IT teams to translate VAT and regulatory requirements into system functionality and process design.

Job Activities:

VAT Implementation & Compliance

• Possess in-depth knowledge of VAT implementation in the GCC, particularly within telecom companies.
• Ensure adherence to VAT laws and frameworks across GCC jurisdictions.
• Compute, prepare, and file VAT returns, refunds, and compliance reports accurately and on time.
• Liaise with tax authorities and external advisors to resolve queries and maintain alignment with local requirements.
• Support the configuration, testing (SIT/UAT), and validation of VAT-related functionality in ERP and billing systems.
• Maintain and monitor VAT control mechanisms to ensure audit readiness and compliance with internal policies.

Business Analysis & Process Design

• Collaborate with business stakeholders, product owners, and technical teams to gather and document VAT and process requirements.
• Ensure clarity and traceability of business requirements through design and delivery phases.
• Support impact assessments and feasibility studies for VAT-related process or system changes.
• Work with development and testing teams to ensure VAT configurations align with operational requirements.
• Validate VAT calculation, determination, and reporting logic in system testing cycles (SIT/UAT).
• Bring a strong telecom industry background with familiarity in BSS/OSS systems and end-to-end processes such as CRM, order management, billing, charging, and provisioning.

Governance, Controls & Reporting

• Develop and maintain VAT-related KPIs; monitor compliance performance and process efficiency.
• Contribute to group-wide VAT policies, procedures, and control frameworks for consistency across OpCos.
• Ensure timely reporting, issue tracking, and resolution for VAT-related system or compliance matters.
• Collaborate with the Group Tax team to ensure consistent treatment of inter-OpCo VAT transactions.
• Identify opportunities for VAT automation, standardization, and process optimization.
• Monitor GCC VAT law changes and update internal policies and controls accordingly.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in finance or system, or equivalent
• 10 years' experience in telecoms industry with focus on VAT and significant experience in both business and technology
• Strong knowledge of VAT laws and regulations.
• In-depth understanding of VAT laws and regulations in GCC countries.
• Strong experience in telecom VAT implementation and compliance projects.
• Technical knowledge of SAP VAT configuration and tax reporting.
• Ability to analyze, document, and translate tax requirements into system functionality.
• Strong coordination, analytical, and communication skills.
• Effective multi-tasking and time management in complex, multi-cultural environments.
• Strong understanding of product development and supporting technology requirements
• Significant knowledge of new and emerging technologies and their business opportunities
• Significant expertise in translating business requirements into technical specifications
• Experience of leading requirements gathering activities using workshops and interviews
• Proficient in Business and Systems Analysis techniques.
• Experience in provisioning, billing, charging, fraud management, credit check, service activation, product management (B2C - mobile, broadband, TV products and B2B products, IOT Products, Data Center), Payment solutions, Postpaid & Prepaid promotions
• Fluent in spoken and written English