JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Manager – Taxation ensures the Group complies with all local and international tax laws to avoid penalties and legal exposure. The role identifies and calculates tax liabilities, verifies and files tax returns, and authorizes tax payments. It also manages high-value tax claims, provides tax advice to business units and outstations, and liaises with Owner Government officials and tax authorities to support favorable tax treatment and treaty inputs. In addition, the role pursues tax savings and refund recoveries (including VAT/GST), tracks global taxes, monitors industry tax developments affecting the airline, supports business planning and budgeting, and represents the Company in relevant meetings and forums.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure compliance with local and international tax laws and regulations to mitigate exposure to fines, penalties, and potential criminal prosecution.

• Identify tax liabilities, assess their magnitude, quantify amounts payable, and establish policies to minimize and/or settle liabilities.

• Review and validate the legitimacy and accuracy of tax claims (including high-value claims), file tax returns with relevant tax authorities, and authorize tax-related payments.

• Maintain close working relationships with senior officials of the Owner Government/authorities on taxation matters, and support efforts to secure favorable tax environments and tax concessions for the Group across jurisdictions.

• Support and participate in negotiations with foreign governments and tax authorities on tax issues to protect and advance the Group’s interests.

• Prepare tax briefs for the Owner States covering key tax liabilities, issues, and risks; respond to stakeholder queries and provide timely information on tax systems in other countries.

• Review draft tax treaties proposed by Owner Governments and provide recommendations/comments.

• Provide tax guidance to managers and finance controllers for on-line and outstation operations, ensuring correct tax positions, filings, and obligations; advise other departments on relevant tax matters.

• Draft and issue correspondence on tax matters on behalf of PCE/Company leadership to Owner Governments and relevant tax authorities, including coordinating input and follow-through as required.

• Identify opportunities for tax savings, refunds, and recoveries; develop and substantiate the Company’s position with tax officials and track outcomes.

• Lead follow-up to recover refundable taxes (e.g., VAT/GST), including ensuring accurate documentation and timely submission; manage recovery processes for claims that may be in the range of BD10,000s annually.

• Compile and analyze global tax data (tax paid/estimated), supporting an annual tax population exceeding BD1m, and use insights to improve tax planning and compliance.

  Work with industry partners and international bodies (including IATA and other relevant forums) to secure favorable tax treatments where feasible; represent the Company in taxation-related meetings.

• Monitor developments in the airline taxation environment (industry-wide and specifically impacting Gulf Air) and assess implications for Group strategy, compliance, and cost.

• Participate in the development of business plans and the annual budgeting process by providing tax inputs, forecasts, and risk/opportunity analysis

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS

A University degree in Economics, Business or Finance preferably to a Master’s degree level.

EXPERIENCE

A minimum of 7   years in an internationally oriented company out of which 4 years must have been in the finance department of an international airline

JOB SPECIFIC SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Good command of computers, strong analytical, writing and numerical skills as well as good command of both English and Arabic.

• Strong knowledge of local and international tax laws and compliance requirements

• Excellent analytical skills to quantify liabilities and assess tax positions/claims

• High integrity, strong risk awareness, and attention to detail

• Ability to communicate and influence effectively with government officials and tax authorities

• Professional discretion and ability to handle confidential tax information