VAT Specialist

Job Title: VAT Specialist

Sector / Department: President Sector Strategic Planning & Quality (Strategic Planning Section)

The VAT Specialist supports the Authority's Value Added Tax (VAT) function under the Strategic Planning Section Head. The role provides technical and operational support across policy translation process design system readiness compliance controls and performance monitoring to help ensure a reliable efficient VAT operation.

• VAT Policy Support: Translate VAT policy decisions into operational procedures workflows and guidance. Oversee and contribute to drafting VAT manuals private rulings/clarifications and public-facing guidance (FAQs circulars). Monitor international VAT/GST developments and propose updates to procedures and content.

• Implementation & Operations: Support the definition and documentation of VAT processes (registration filing payments refunds appeals) in coordination with process owners. Coordinate with IS & Digital Transformation to validate rules master data and integrations. Execute testing scenarios and business-rule validation log defects and follow through to resolution. Support VAT go-live activities cutover tasks and readiness checklists.

• Compliance & Risk Management: Support the establishment of VAT compliance controls (segregation approvals audit trails) and risk indicators. Assist in developing risk-based treatments (nudge letters targeted education referrals) and preparing case packs/playbooks for VAT risk themes in coordination with Risk and Audit teams.

• Monitoring & Reporting: Collect and analyze VAT operational and compliance data (filing timeliness payment behavior refund cycles exception rates). Prepare periodic KPI and risk reports with observations and recommended corrective actions. Contributes to mid-year and year-end reviews of VAT outcomes.

• Capacity Building & Taxpayer Support: Deliver targeted training to internal teams on VAT procedures system use and control points. Provide technical VAT support on cases and escalate complex matters to the Section Head. Support awareness campaigns to improve taxpayer understanding and compliance.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Coordinate with Policy & Legislation Taxpayer Affairs Returns & Filing Revenue and Compliance functions. Work with external stakeholders to gather feedback on the usability of VAT processes.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Taxation Economics Finance or a related field. Postgraduate qualifications (e.g. Master’s in Taxation Economics or Public Administration) and professional certifications (e.g. CTA ACCA CPA GCC VAT Diploma) are advantageous.

• Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum 9 years of experience.

  • Master’s Degree: Minimum 8 years of experience.

  • PhD / Doctorate: Minimum 5 years of experience.

  • Preferred: 9 years of experience in VAT/indirect tax across policy support operations compliance or taxpayer services within a public sector or regulatory environment.

• Technical Skills: Hands-on experience with VAT processes (registration filing payments refunds) and control design. Familiarity with GCC VAT frameworks and international VAT/GST models. Ability to document processes/business rules and plan tests. Strong analytical data manipulation KPI reporting and cross-functional coordination skills.