Tax Lead

Main Purpose:Function:

The Tax Lead is responsible for overseeing all tax-related matters in El Salvador, ensuring full compliance with local and international tax regulations. The role provides both strategic and operational leadership across direct, indirect, excise, and customs taxes, while aligning with group tax policies, tax reporting and global frameworks such as OECD BEPS and IFRS standards.
Tax Advisors, Industry Associations, External Legal and Tax Consultants.Knowledge Skills and Abilities, Key Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

1- Ensure compliance with all local tax laws, including income tax, VAT, withholding tax, excise duties, and customs regulations.

2- Manage tax compliance and reporting processes, including the preparation, review, and submission of all statutory returns.

3- Oversee transfer pricing documentation in compliance with OECD BEPS Action Plans and local legislation alongside transfer pricing department.

4- Lead tax accounting and provisioning processes in accordance with IFRS and group accounting standards, as well as tax reporting controls.

5- Conduct and communicate regular tax risk assessments and develop strategies to mitigate exposure and ensure effective controls.

6- Act as the primary liaison with tax authorities, managing audits, queries, and litigation cases.

7- Advise management on tax implications of business decisions, including new projects, cross-border transactions, and restructuring activities.

8- Supervise customs and excise tax operations, ensuring the correct application of fiscal regimes and exemptions for fuel products.

9- Monitor and communicate changes in tax legislation at both local and international levels, assess potential impacts, and recommend actions to maintain compliance.

10- Coordinate with external advisors and auditors to ensure accurate and transparent tax reporting.

11- Drive process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance in tax operations.

Requirements:

Experience:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in tax management, preferably within a multinational company or the petroleum/energy sector.
• Proven expertise in direct, indirect, excise, and customs taxation.
• Strong background in international tax standards, including transfer pricing, BEPS, and OECD frameworks.
• Experience in tax accounting under IFRS and managing corporate tax provisions.
• Demonstrated experience in tax audits and dispute resolution with local authorities.
• Working knowledge of Dynamics NAV, Business Central or other ERP systems.

Skills: 

• In-depth knowledge of El Salvador's tax framework and global tax standards (OECD, IFRS, BEPS).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• High proficiency in Excel, ERP tax modules, and tax reporting tools.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken).

Competencies:   

• Strategic Thinking: Anticipates and evaluates the tax implications of business and regulatory developments.
• Integrity and Compliance: Demonstrates high ethical standards and transparency in all tax dealings.
• Leadership: Provides direction and mentorship to staff, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Global Mindset: Understands and applies international tax frameworks and cross-border implications.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with multidisciplinary teams and regional stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Responds promptly to legislative and business environment changes.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and completeness in reporting, documentation, and compliance activities.

Key Relationships and Department Overview:

Key Relationships:

• Internal – Finance Manager, Accounting and Treasury Teams, Legal and Compliance Departments, Operations and Commercial Teams and Group Tax
• External - Tax Authorities (Ministerio de Hacienda, Dirección General de Impuestos Internos, Dirección General de Aduanas), External Auditors and Tax Advisors, Industry Associations, External Legal and Tax Consultants.

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