Regional Manager - Tax Compliance & Financial Operations

Regional Manager - Tax Compliance & Financial Operations

Description:

This role supports clients Tax and Company law related compliance (around 60-70% of the role), financial operations and decision partnering across SAMEA (South Asia, Middle East and Africa) which comprises majorly of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Middle East, and South Africa.

The role will have a strong emphasis on Tax Compliance and Advisory, while ensuring smooth transactional finance services and active involvement with the various Business teams across SAMEA for Business/Decision Partnering. A key mandate is to drive automation and LEAN processes using AI and digital tools to create an efficient, future- ready finance function.

Tax Compliance & Advisory:

- Provide expert guidance on Direct and Indirect taxation (Income tax, VAT/GST, customs, service tax) across SAMEA jurisdictions.

- Ensure all payments of statutory dues are made on time.

- Coordinate timely tax filings, assessments, audits, and reconciliations in liaison with in-country teams and external advisors with various teams.

- Track and assist in closing ongoing tax assessments, audits, and regulatory queries including legacy matters for SAMEA.

- Assist in maintaining compliance with Companies Acts, Central Bank, and Exchange Control regulations (FEMA, FX remittances, repatriations) independently or with the help of consultants/advisors.

- Interpret aviation-specific regulations (airport levies, different taxes, service charges) and translate them into actionable strategies and support Business teams to implement the same.

- Support transfer pricing policies, intercompany agreements, and international tax planning.

- Review contracts for applicable tax clauses and advise changes to the same, negotiate with Partners for the same for the interest of Client.

- Stay abreast of regional tax, compliance and regulatory developments and local and HQ finance teams informed of the impact on client business

- Lead audit readiness and government inspection responses to ensure clean closures.

- Prepare and update a regional compliance calendar/dashboard, escalating issues proactively.

Business / Decision Partnering:

- Serve as a trusted finance advisor to commercial, operations, and airport teams, enabling data-driven decision-making.

- Integrate financial insights into cross-functional initiatives across People, Travel, Cargo, Engineering, IT, and Airports teams.

- Evaluate and support business cases for submission to Regional or Head Office, ensuring governance, cost control, and tax risk mitigation.

- Oversee contract approvals and expenditure authorizations in alignment with Group policies.

- Monitor adherence to internal controls, asset safeguarding, and risk management protocols.

Operational Finance & Process Excellence:

- Drive automation initiatives including AI-based reconciliations, invoice digitization, and predictive collections.

- Oversee A/R (customers) and A/P (vendors) processes and teams, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, timely reconciliations and maintaining cordial working relationships with them.

- Review and manage BSP and CASS processes with precision and timeliness and monitor GSA operations and settlement cycles for compliance and performance.

- Collaborate with shared service centres (GBS) and outsourced partners to ensure SLA adherence and operational efficiency.

- Ensure timely execution of core finance operations, including month-end close (WD+2), financial reporting, budgeting & forecasting, cost control, treasury & cash management, agent collections, payroll, supplier payments, and overall financial administration.

People Development and Performance Management:

- Lead and develop a high-performing finance team by fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.

- Build the right structure and capabilities, mentor direct reports, engage in regular performance dialogue.