Tax Compliance & Payables Specialist

Job Description

d.light is a global leader in making transformative products available and affordable to low-income families. d.light has sold 35 million products, including solar lanterns, solar home systems, TVs, radios, and smartphones, impacting the lives of over 193 million people. Our vision is to transform the lives of one billion people with sustainable products by 2030.

The Tax and Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring full compliance with local tax regulations and statutory requirements. This role plays a critical part in safeguarding the organization against tax risks, enhancing internal controls, and aligning with global tax strategies. By ensuring accuracy, adherence, and proactive management of tax matters, the Tax and Compliance Specialist directly contributes to d.light’s mission of transforming 1 billion lives while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Tax Compliance and Reporting
  • Ensure timely and accurate preparation, submission, and reconciliation of statutory tax filings, including VAT, corporate income tax, PAYE, and other tax obligations.
  • Maintain full compliance with Tanzanian tax laws and proactively address potential tax risks.
  • Prepare and manage tax schedules, ensuring alignment with financial reporting and audit standards.
  • Collaborate with the Finance Controller to ensure tax provisions are accurately recorded in financial statements.
• Tax Advisory and Transactional Tax Treatment
  • Provide expert guidance on tax treatment for business transactions, including contracts, cross-border transactions, and capital expenditures.
  • Advise on indirect tax implications, ensuring VAT and withholding tax compliance on payments to suppliers, contractors, and international entities.
  • Evaluate new business initiatives, partnerships, and expansion projects for potential tax risks and benefits.
  • Work with finance and legal teams to structure tax-efficient transactions in compliance with Tanzanian and international tax laws.
• Tax Audits and Dispute Resolution
  • Support the Finance Controller in coordinating tax audits and engagements with tax authorities.
  • Respond to queries from tax authorities, ensuring timely resolution and mitigation of potential risks.
  • Maintain detailed records and documentation to support tax filings, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Legislative Monitoring and Advisory
  • Stay updated on evolving Tanzanian tax laws and global tax regulatory changes, assessing their implications for business operations.
  • Provide actionable recommendations to ensure the company's tax position is in full compliance.
• Internal Controls and Process Enhancement
  • Collaborate with the Finance Controller and Group Tax Manager to develop, implement, and refine tax-related controls and procedures.
  • Strengthen processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance in tax workflows.
  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in tax reporting and risk management.
• Accounts Payable & Financial Support:
  • Assist in processing vendor invoices, ensuring compliance with withholding tax regulations.
  • Reconcile vendor balances and resolve any discrepancies.
  • Review and process staff retirements and expense reports.
  • Review expense reports and transactions for tax deductibility.
  • Assist Financial Controller with any other accounting duties as may be assigned.
  • Support the finance team with month-end and year-end tax-related reconciliation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with the Group Tax Manager to align with d.light’s global tax strategies, including transfer pricing and cross-border tax considerations.
  • Partner with internal teams, including finance, legal, and operations, to ensure seamless integration of tax compliance within business processes.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Taxation.
• CPA, ACCA, or equivalent professional certification preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in tax compliance, audit, or regulatory reporting, preferably in a multinational or fast-paced environment.
• Proven expertise in Tanzanian tax laws, including VAT, corporate tax, and payroll tax requirements.
• Experience managing tax audits, resolving disputes, and liaising with tax authorities.
• Experience in providing tax advisory for business transactions and operational tax planning is an added advantage.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in tax accounting, reporting, and reconciliation processes.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and advanced Excel for data analysis and tax reporting.

Key Competencies

• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of local tax laws, IFRS, and global compliance frameworks.
• Tax Advisory Expertise: Ability to analyse business transactions and provide tax guidance.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures precision and accuracy in tax filings and financial reporting.
• Analytical Acumen: Ability to assess tax scenarios and develop practical solutions.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Anticipates challenges and takes initiative in addressing tax risks and compliance matters.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across functions and with external stakeholders to achieve compliance goals.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.