TAX ACCOUNTANT

Job description

· Ensure timely preparation, review, and submission of all statutory tax returns.

· Manage compliance for all applicable taxes, including:

o Corporate Income Tax

o Value Added Tax (VAT)

o Pay As You Earn (PAYE)

o Withholding Tax (WHT)

o Turnover Tax (where applicable)

o Property Transfer Tax (where applicable)

o Customs and Excise duties

o Skills Development Levy and other statutory taxes

· Ensure timely payment of all tax liabilities to avoid penalties and interest.

Government Liaison

· Act as the primary liaison with the Zambia Revenue Authority and other relevant government authorities.

· Coordinate and manage tax assessments, audits, investigations, and tax inspections.

· Respond to tax notices, assessments, and queries from government agencies.

· Negotiate and resolve tax disputes professionally and efficiently.

· Maintain positive working relationships with tax authorities.

Tax Accounting & Reconciliation

· Reconcile tax accounts in the ERP/accounting system with returns filed through the ZRA online portal.

· Perform monthly reconciliation between:

o VAT ledger and VAT returns

o PAYE ledger and payroll submissions

o WHT ledger and statutory filings

o Corporate tax provisions and tax computations

· Ensure tax balances reported in the financial statements agree with statutory filings.

· Resolve discrepancies between accounting records and ZRA records promptly.

Financial Reporting

· Prepare tax provisions and deferred tax calculations in accordance with applicable accounting standards.

· Support statutory audits by providing tax schedules and supporting documentation.

· Maintain proper tax documentation and records for audit purposes.

ERP & Systems

· Work closely with Finance and IT teams to ensure correct tax configuration in ERP systems (e.g., SAP).

· Validate tax codes, tax postings, and tax reports generated by the ERP.

Stakeholder Management

· Coordinate with internal departments including Finance, Procurement, HR, Sales, Logistics, and Operations on tax matters.

· Liaise with external auditors, tax consultants, and legal advisors when required.

Qualifications

· Professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, CA Zambia, ZICA, CPA, or equivalent.

· Membership of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants is preferred.

Experience

· 7–12 years of relevant experience in taxation and finance.

· Strong practical experience dealing with the Zambia Revenue Authority.

· Experience handling tax audits, assessments, and statutory compliance.

· Experience with SAP or another ERP system is an advantage.

· Manufacturing or trading industry experience is preferred.

Technical Skills

· In-depth knowledge of Zambian tax legislation and regulations.

· Strong understanding of corporate tax, VAT, PAYE, WHT, customs, and other statutory taxes.

· Tax reconciliation and financial reporting.

· SAP/ERP proficiency.

· Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.