As Head of Group Taxation, you will own all direct and indirect tax matters for the group. You'll provide strategic tax guidance to leadership, ensure 100% compliance across all entities, manage tax assessments and disputes, and identify tax optimization opportunities. This role requires deep technical knowledge of both GST and Direct Tax in the trading business context, coupled with strong stakeholder management and regulatory negotiation skills.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Tax Compliance & Strategy
Own all Direct Tax compliance: quarterly TDS returns, annual ITR preparation, transfer pricing documentation (if applicable)
Proactively manage tax assessments: respond to notices, coordinate with tax authorities, and prepare defense documentation
Advise leadership on tax-efficient business structuring, investment decisions, and contingent liability assessment
Indirect Tax (GST) & Customs Compliance
Manage GST compliance across 3 entities: GSTR filings (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-9), credit reconciliation, and audit support
Ensure correct GST classification, ITC eligibility, and input-output matching in trading transactions
Handle customs compliance for traded goods (duty classification, duty drawback, special schemes if applicable)
Tax Litigation & Assessment Management
Lead tax dispute resolution: represent in assessments, appeals, and tribunal proceedings (in partnership with external counsel)
Maintain documentation and communication trails to support litigation strategy
Monitor and mitigate litigation risk through proactive compliance and advance tax planning
Tax Planning & Risk Mitigation
Identify tax optimization opportunities: cost-benefit analysis of available schemes, relief mechanisms, and structuring options
Assess contingent tax liabilities and provide reserve recommendations to Finance
Stay abreast of evolving tax law changes and proactively flag impact to the business
Multi-Entity Tax Coordination
Coordinate tax filings and compliance calendars across 3 legal entities (consolidated planning)
Monitor intercompany transactions for tax efficiency and regulatory compliance (transfer pricing, related-party transactions)
Ensure consistency of tax positions across group entities
Stakeholder & Regulatory Management
Build strong relationships with tax authorities; represent company professionally in communications, audits, and proceedings
Provide regular tax compliance calendars and advisory updates to management
Coordinate with external tax advisors, audit firms, and legal counsel as required
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
CA (Chartered Accountant) with minimum 8+ years of hands-on experience in tax practice or corporate tax
Demonstrated expertise in both Direct Tax (Income Tax, TDS, Transfer Pricing) and Indirect Tax (GST, Customs)
Proven experience managing tax assessments, notices, and litigation (at least 2-3 years handling disputes)
Strong understanding of trading business tax dynamics (inventory valuation, duty implications, goods movement)
Proficiency in tax software (e-filing platforms), Excel, and coordination with accounting systems (Tally, ERP)
Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to articulate complex tax concepts to business stakeholders
Knowledge of Indian tax law and regulatory framework; up-to-date with circulars, notifications, and case law
NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS
Prior experience in a fast-growing or scaling company
Experience with multi-entity tax structures and consolidated tax planning
Exposure to customs compliance and international trade regulations
Litigation experience (appearing before CIT-A or tribunal)
Knowledge of special tax schemes (SEZ, EPCG, or similar)
KEY COMPETENCIES
Technical Excellence: Deep mastery of Direct and Indirect Tax law; ability to apply nuanced interpretations