Tax Manager

Company Description

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance, and sustainability.

Job Description

Job Purpose

The Tax Manager is responsible for leading all tax-related matters for SGS Tanzania Limited, ensuring full compliance with Tanzanian tax laws, SGS Group tax policies, and international best practices. The role provides strategic tax advice, manages tax risks, oversees tax audits, and supports business growth through effective tax planning and governance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Tax Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation, review, and filing of all statutory tax returns, including: Corporate Income Tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), Withholding Taxes, Skills Development Levy (SDL), Pay As You Earn (PAYE) & Any other applicable local taxes
• Ensure compliance with Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) requirements and updates in tax legislation.
• Oversee tax provisions, deferred tax calculations, and tax disclosures in accordance with IFRS and SGS Group policies.

2. Tax Advisory & Planning

• Provide proactive tax advisory support to management and business units on transactions, contracts, and new business initiatives.
• Identify tax planning opportunities while ensuring compliance with local laws and SGS ethical standards.
• Support transfer pricing compliance, documentation, and intercompany transactions in line with OECD guidelines and Group policies.

3. Tax Audits & Dispute Management

• Lead and manage all TRA tax audits, investigations, and assessments.
• Prepare responses to tax queries, objections, and appeals.
• Liaise with external tax consultants and legal advisors when required.
• Minimize tax exposure and penalties through effective risk management.

4. Local Content compliance

Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement

• Ensure compliance with the Mining Act, Cap 123 and Mining (Local Content) Regulations, 2018 (as amended).
• Monitor implementation of the approved Local Content Plan (LCP).
• Interpret local content laws and advise internal departments on compliance obligations.
• Ensure contractors and subcontractors comply with local content requirements.
• Identify non-compliance risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Local Content Reporting - Compile supporting evidence including:
• Monitoring, Audits & Inspections - Maintain accurate and auditable local content documentation and conduct internal local content compliance audits.
• Track corrective action plans arising from inspections.

5. Governance, Risk & Controls

• Ensure strong tax governance frameworks and internal controls are in place.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate tax risks.
• Maintain proper tax documentation and audit trails.
• Ensure adherence to SGS Code of Integrity and compliance standards.

6. Stakeholders Management

• Act as the main point of contact with TRA and other regulatory authorities on tax matters.
• Collaborate closely with Finance, Legal, HR, Procurement, and Operations teams.
• Coordinate with Regional and Group Tax teams on reporting, policies, and initiatives.

7. Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, mentor, and develop the local tax team (if applicable).
• Promote tax awareness and training within the finance and business teams.
• Drive continuous improvement in tax processes and systems.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely and accurate tax filings with zero or minimal penalties
• Successful management of tax audits and disputes
• Reduction of tax risks and exposures
• Compliance with SGS Group tax policies
• Effective stakeholder engagement and advisory support

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Law, or related field
• Professional qualification such as CPA (T), ACCA, or equivalent
• Master’s degree in taxation, Finance, or Business Administration is an added advantage

Experience

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive tax experience, preferably within:
  • Multinational organizations
  • Professional services (Big 4 or reputable tax advisory firms)
• Strong hands-on experience with Tanzanian tax laws and TRA engagements
• Experience in transfer pricing and cross-border taxation is highly desirable

Skills & Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of Tanzanian tax legislation and IFRS
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Strong leadership and team development skills

Personal Attributes

• Detail-oriented with a strategic mindset
• Proactive and solution-driven
• Resilient and confident in dealing with regulators
• Strong alignment with SGS values of integrity, professionalism, and sustainability

Additional Information

A career at SGS enables you to collaborate in an open, friendly, and supportive culture that thrives on teamwork, and flourish in an environment where people respect and help each other to grow and succeed. Expand and enrich your career through endless opportunities to learn, grow your expertise and fulfill your potential.