Job Description: Chief Tax Officer (CTO – Tax)

Industry: Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Investment

Job Type: Full-Time

Reporting To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Job Summary

The Chief Tax Officer (CTO – Tax) is responsible for overseeing the organization's global tax strategy, compliance, planning, and risk management. This role ensures full compliance with local and international tax regulations while optimizing the organization's tax position and supporting strategic financial decisions.

The CTO (Tax) plays a key role in managing tax risks, handling regulatory interactions, and advising executive leadership on tax implications of business activities, investments, and transactions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Tax Strategy & Planning

Develop and implement tax strategies aligned with organizational goals

Optimize tax structures to improve efficiency and minimize liabilities within legal frameworks

Advise leadership on tax implications of business initiatives, investments, and expansion

Support mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring from a tax perspective

2. Tax Compliance & Reporting

Ensure timely and accurate filing of all tax returns (corporate tax, VAT, withholding tax, etc.)

Oversee tax accounting and reporting in line with IFRS/GAAP standards

Ensure compliance with local and international tax regulations

Monitor changes in tax laws and assess their impact on the organization

3. Tax Risk Management

Identify, assess, and mitigate tax risks across the organization

Establish strong tax governance and internal control frameworks

Manage tax audits, disputes, and litigation with tax authorities

Ensure proper documentation and transfer pricing compliance

4. Regulatory & Stakeholder Management

Act as the primary point of contact with tax authorities and regulators

Manage relationships with external tax advisors, auditors, and consultants

Support communication with executive leadership and Board on tax matters

Ensure transparency and compliance in tax disclosures

5. Transfer Pricing & International Tax

Oversee transfer pricing policies and documentation

Ensure compliance with international tax standards (e.g., OECD guidelines, BEPS)

Manage cross-border tax issues and global tax structuring

Support international business operations and expansion

6. Leadership & Team Management

Lead and develop the tax team

Establish performance standards and accountability

Foster a culture of compliance, integrity, and continuous improvement

Support talent development and succession planning

Key Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Law, or related field

Professional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, CA, or CTA are highly preferred

Experience

12–18+ years of experience in tax, accounting, or finance roles

Proven experience in senior tax leadership roles (e.g., Head of Tax, Tax Director, CTO – Tax)

Strong background in tax compliance, planning, and risk management within financial services

Skills & Competencies

Deep knowledge of tax laws and regulations (local and international)

Expertise in corporate tax, VAT, transfer pricing, and tax structuring

Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills

Risk management and compliance expertise

Leadership and team management

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving and decision-making ability

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Tax compliance and timely filing of returns

Effective tax rate optimization

Resolution of tax audits and disputes

Strength of tax governance and internal controls

Accuracy of tax reporting and disclosures

Minimization of tax risks and penalties

Preferred Attributes

Experience in multinational financial institutions or complex tax environments

Exposure to international tax frameworks and cross-border transactions

Strong relationships with tax authorities and advisors

Ability to operate in a highly regulated and dynamic environment

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive executive salary

Performance-based incentives

Executive benefits and allowances