Head - Direct Tax - CA/LLB

Description:

Job Title: Head - Direct Tax

Location: Mumbai

Experience: 15+ years

Industry: BFSI / Financial Services / Large Corporate

Role Overview:

We are looking to hire an experienced Head Direct Tax for a large and diversified financial services group based in Mumbai. The role will lead the organizations direct tax strategy, planning, compliance, litigation, and advisory across multiple entities and business lines, ensuring full regulatory compliance while optimizing tax efficiency.

This is a senior leadership role with high visibility, partnering closely with Finance, Legal, Business, and external advisors on complex tax matters and strategic transactions.

Key Responsibilities:

Direct Tax Strategy & Advisory:

- Lead group-wide direct tax planning and structuring initiatives.

- Provide tax advisory on business models, new products, investments, and cross-border transactions.

- Evaluate tax implications of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, and capital market transactions.

Tax Compliance & Reporting:

- Oversee timely and accurate filing of income tax returns across group entities.

- Ensure compliance with all provisions of the Income-tax Act, transfer pricing, and withholding tax regulations.

- Review tax provisions, deferred tax calculations, and disclosures in financial statements.

Litigation & Assessments:

- Manage tax assessments, audits, notices, and litigation across forums.

- Develop defense strategy and represent the organization with tax authorities.

- Coordinate with external counsels and Big-4 advisors on complex matters.

Stakeholder & Governance:

- Act as the primary interface with regulators and tax authorities.

- Partner with CFO and senior leadership on tax risk management.

- Strengthen internal controls, processes, and tax governance frameworks.

Team Leadership:

- Lead and develop the direct tax team across entities and locations.

- Drive capability building and knowledge of evolving tax regulations.

Candidate Profile:

- 15+ years of experience in Direct Tax within BFSI / financial services / large corporates or Big4.

- Strong expertise in corporate tax, international tax, transfer pricing, and tax litigation.

- Experience handling multi-entity structures and complex transactions.

- Proven leadership in managing tax authorities and high-stakes assessments.

- CA preferred (additional LLB / international tax qualification is a plus).