Director - UAE Corporate Tax Advisory Practice

Director UAE Corporate Tax Advisory

Location: Dubai, UAE

Role Overview:

We are looking for an experienced Corporate Tax Director to lead and grow our Corporate Tax Advisory practice in Dubai. The role combines strong technical expertise, client leadership, practice development and commercial responsibility. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing key client relationships and complex Corporate Tax engagements, developing the tax team and service offering, identifying new opportunities, and contributing to the overall growth and profitability of the practice. The candidate should have strong prior experience in the UAE market, with a good understanding of UAE Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing and the broader GCC tax environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Corporate Tax Practice Leadership:

- Lead and manage the Corporate Tax Advisory practice in Dubai.

- Develop and strengthen the firm's UAE Corporate Tax service offerings.

- Develop the practice strategy, operating model and service standards.

- Take responsibility for the overall financial performance and P&L of the practice.

- Monitor revenue, profitability, utilisation, billing and collections.

- Identify opportunities to expand the practice and improve profitability.

2. Client & Engagement Leadership:

- Act as a senior tax advisor to clients on complex UAE Corporate Tax and international tax matters.

- Lead and oversee significant Corporate Tax advisory engagements from inception through completion.

- Develop and maintain strong relationships with CFOs, Finance Directors, Tax Heads, Controllers and senior management.

- Advise clients on UAE Corporate Tax implementation, tax structuring, group reorganizations, tax implications of transactions and other advisory matters.

- Oversee tax reviews, assessments, advisory projects and other complex assignments.

- Review and ensure the quality and commercial relevance of technical deliverables.

3. Practice Development & Business Development:

- Contribute to the growth of the Corporate Tax practice through existing relationships, referrals and market opportunities.

- Develop new client relationships and participate in relevant pitches and proposals.

- Build the firm's presence and reputation within the UAE Corporate Tax market.

- Work closely with other service lines to identify cross-selling opportunities.

- Maintain an active professional network within the UAE.

- Take an active role in generating and converting suitable business opportunities, while maintaining a strong focus on client delivery and practice leadership.

4. Team Leadership:

- Build and lead a high-performing Corporate Tax Advisory team.

- Recruit, mentor and develop tax professionals as the practice expands.

- Provide technical guidance on complex tax matters and engagements.

- Establish appropriate performance, quality and development standards.

- Develop a culture focused on technical excellence, client service and commercial accountability.

5. UAE Tax & Regulatory Expertise:

- Strong practical knowledge of UAE Corporate Tax legislation and FTA regulations/guidance.

- Good understanding of Transfer Pricing and its interaction with UAE Corporate Tax.

- Stay updated on developments in UAE Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing and relevant GCC tax regulations.

- Advise clients on the practical and commercial implications of changes in UAE tax legislation.

- Represent the firm professionally in relevant industry, tax and client forums.

Candidate Profile:

- 810 years of experience in Corporate Tax / International Tax Advisory.

- Strong UAE/Dubai experience is essential.

- Strong understanding of UAE Corporate Tax and practical experience advising UAE-based clients.

- Prior experience in a senior client-facing tax role managing significant engagements and client relationships.

- Demonstrated experience in developing client relationships and contributing to business growth.

- Experience in building or managing a Corporate Tax practice/service line would be highly preferred.

- Commercial understanding with experience in managing revenue, margins and P&L.

- Strong leadership, communication, analytical and stakeholder management skills.

- Professional qualifications such as CA, ACCA, CTA, ADIT, CPA or equivalent would be preferred.

Important Note:

- The role has heavy BD orientation (~60% BD / 40% delivery).