Tax Officer

Job Summary:
The Tax Officer is responsible for ensuring the company’s compliance with Philippine tax laws and regulations. This includes preparing, reviewing, and filing tax returns, handling tax audits, and providing tax-related advice to ensure the company adheres to all local, regional, and national tax laws. The Tax Officer also plays a key role in minimizing the company’s tax liabilities while optimizing tax benefits, keeping up with changes in tax regulations, and maintaining good relations with government tax authorities such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Key Responsibilities:
1. Tax Compliance & Reporting
Prepare tax returns: Prepare and file various tax returns, including but not limited to, Value-Added Tax (VAT), income tax, withholding tax, and other statutory tax filings with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
Ensure timely filing: Ensure that all tax filings (monthly, quarterly, and annual) are submitted on time to avoid penalties and interest.
Maintain tax records: Keep detailed records of all tax returns, payments, tax assessments, and related documents for auditing and compliance purposes.
Tax reporting: Assist in the preparation of internal tax reports and provide tax-related data to the Finance team for management review.

2. Tax Planning & Strategy
Tax optimization: Assist in the planning and development of tax strategies to minimize tax liabilities and optimize the company's tax position.
Evaluate tax impacts: Analyze and evaluate the tax implications of various business transactions, investments, and company operations to ensure the company’s interests are properly protected.
Advise management: Provide timely advice to management on tax implications for business decisions, including new business ventures, acquisitions, and investments.

3. Tax Audits & Investigation
Manage tax audits: Coordinate and assist in tax audits conducted by BIR or other tax authorities, ensuring that the company’s tax returns and records are properly presented.
Handle BIR queries: Respond to inquiries from the BIR regarding tax returns, assessments, and audits, and represent the company in discussions with tax authorities.
Resolve tax issues: Investigate discrepancies or issues with tax filings, propose solutions, and work with external advisors or legal counsel if necessary to resolve tax disputes.

4. Regulatory Compliance
Stay updated on tax laws: Keep abreast of changes and updates in Philippine tax laws, rules, and regulations, including BIR rulings, tax incentives, and tax treaty updates.
Implement tax changes: Monitor new tax regulations and ensure that the company is compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements.
Compliance assurance: Ensure that the company’s policies and procedures are consistent with Philippine tax laws to avoid exposure to unnecessary tax penalties.

5. Tax Documentation & Recordkeeping
Maintain tax files: Maintain organized and accurate tax records, including tax returns, tax payments, tax assessments, and official receipts, ensuring they are readily accessible for audits and review.
Document tax positions: Keep detailed documentation of the company's tax positions and interpretations of tax laws to support audit defense and minimize exposure to risk.

6. Collaborate with External Parties
Coordinate with external auditors: Work with external auditors during annual audits to ensure accurate and compliant tax filings and provide necessary documentation for tax-related audit procedures.
Coordinate with legal advisors: Collaborate with legal teams or tax advisors to handle complex tax matters, such as tax litigation, tax planning, and structuring of business deals.

7. Training & Awareness
Internal training: Provide training and updates on tax matters to other departments or employees to ensure that the company remains compliant with tax regulations and best practices.
Promote tax awareness: Raise awareness within the company about key tax issues that may affect business operations, including VAT, withholding tax, and the importance of accurate record-keeping.

Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is highly preferred.
Experience:
At least 2-3 years of experience in tax-related roles, preferably in a corporate setting or tax consultancy.
Experience in filing tax returns, handling tax audits, and ensuring compliance with BIR regulations.
Knowledge of Philippine tax laws, including VAT, income tax, and withholding tax.

Skills & Abilities:
Strong understanding of Philippine tax regulations, including PFRS, BIR rules, and tax treaties.
Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., SAP, QuickBooks) and Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Strong analytical skills with attention to detail, especially when interpreting tax laws and financial data.
Ability to work under pressure and meet tax filing deadlines.
Good communication and interpersonal skills, capable of explaining tax matters to non-experts.
Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Finance, Legal, and External Auditors.