Senior Tax Officer at Ecobank Nigeria

JOB CONTEXT

• The position operates within the finance or accounting department and plays a critical role in safeguarding the company’s compliance with federal and state tax regulations. It requires close collaboration with internal finance teams, external tax consultants, and tax authorities such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The role demands continuous vigilance on tax law developments and proactive tax strategy adjustments to protect the company’s interests, minimize risks, and ensure timely and accurate tax filings and payments. This position is key in maintaining corporate governance standards related to tax obligations and supporting the broader financial strategy of the organization.

Key Responsibilities
Business and Financial performance

• Support with the development and implementation of tax strategy.
• Develop and implement strategic tax planning for federal and state taxes.
• Ensure the corporate tax liability is minimized within the ambit of the tax laws.
• Understand the financial and operational implications of various tax laws and ensure compliance.
• Provide support in the identification, review, and implementation of tax optimization opportunities.
• Monitor future legislation that impacts taxation and operations, including future risks.
• Work with the Consultants to reduce the magnitude of tax tickets to the barest minimum
• Quick turn-around on response time to internal business requests and resolution of tax queries

Customer Excellence

• Liaise with the tax consultants to ensure that the company's overall interests are protected during tax investigations and FIRS queries.
• Develop and maintain relationships with appropriate personnel in relevant tax authorities.
• Complete responses and schedules in preparation for State and Federal tax audits
• Monitor tax compliance for the Bank to ensure regulatory expectations are met

Leadership and people management

• Collaborate with internal finance teams and external consultants to ensure tax compliance and strategic planning.
• Guide or support junior tax staff in compliance and tax reporting activities.
• Lead tax-related training initiatives to build internal capability

Process, control and operational performance

• Ensure accurate computation of all tax liabilities.
• Ensure complete documentation of relevant support and proof of tax remittance.
• Monitor current and impending changes to tax regulations and make appropriate updates to policies and strategies.
• Timely monitoring and research on relevant taxation trends, legislative changes and relevant economic/fiscal changes.
• Ensure 100% remittance of all tax and statutory obligations.
• Implement effective tax planning strategies and ensure full compliance with relevant tax laws.
• Accurately prepare and file federal and state tax returns in a timely manner

Strategic initiatives

• Ensure that the internal deadline calendar for tax returns and remittances is strictly followed
• Tax Savings on Tax audit reviews and audits
• Engagement of the relevant tax authorities to negotiate concessions for the Bank
• Effectively reducing the number of lingering tax audits

JOB PROFILE
Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of a first degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline. A master’s degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., ACA, ACCA, ACTI) will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years working experience in a tax-related role
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks from Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the relevant State Internal revenue Service (SIRS)
• Technical knowledge of tax-related matters
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Experience with ERP systems and tax compliance software

Skills, Capabilities & Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strategic thinking and attention to detail
• Effective communication and report-writing skills
• Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic work environment