Specialist Tax | WPP SSC MY

JOB PURPOSE : 
Ensure the organization’s compliance with direct tax regulations (corporate income tax, GST, through accurate reporting, timely filings, and proactive risk management. Provide technical expertise on compliance support on direct & indirect tax specialist matters to finance and business teams. Corporate tax work covers countries for Malaysia, Singapore & India and indirect tax for Singapore. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES : 
• Prepare and review corporate income tax for 3 countries Malaysia , Singapore & India and GST returns for Singapore, ensuring all filings are accurate and submitted on time. 
• Monitor changes in local tax laws and regulations in both Malaysia and Singapore& India; analyse impact and recommend actions. 
• Coordinate with finance, external auditors, and tax authorities during audits, queries, and assessments. 
• Support tax provision, tax computations, deferred tax calculations, and related financial statement disclosures. 
• Conduct tax reconciliations, maintain required documentation, and ensure compliance with transfer pricing requirements. 
• Provide compliance support on business transactions, new projects, and cross-border tax implications. 
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance in tax operations. 
• Assist with Direct & Indirect tax compliance reviews  
• Maintain up-to-date records and ensure timely registration/deregistration for tax purposes. 
• Support ad hoc tax projects and contribute to internal trainings as needed 1 

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT AND STANDARDIZATION 
• Drive continuous improvement of tax compliance and reporting processes in both countries. 
• Identify opportunities to standardise procedures and documentation, ensuring consistency and accuracy across jurisdictions. 
• Lead or support the implementation of new systems, new reports automation tools, or best practices to enhance efficiency and control. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to harmonise workflows and reduce manual or duplicative effort. 
• Monitor and analyze process performance, recommending and implementing corrective actions as needed. 

STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT & SUPPORT 
• Serve as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on tax-related matters in Malaysia and Singapore. 
• Collaborate with Opco and SSC functional groups and to gather information, clarify requirements, and align on tax positions. 
• Liaise with external tax advisors, auditors, and tax authorities to ensure compliance and resolve queries efficiently. 
• Provide clear guidance and support to non-tax colleagues, translating complex tax concepts into actionable recommendations. 
• Build strong, trust-based relationships across functions to facilitate seamless tax processes and business support. 
• Acting as the key point of contact for tax agents and and external auditors ensuring all queries are addressed promptly and accurately. 
• Coordinating with finance, and operations teams to gather data and align on direct tax reporting requirements. 
• Leading cross-functional meetings to communicate tax risks, regulatory changes, and compliance expectations. 

LEADERSHIP & KNOWLEDGE SHARING 
• Mentor and guide junior tax team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment. 
• Share tax knowledge and regulatory updates within the SSC for broader finance and business teams through training sessions, briefings, or written guidance. 
• Champion a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the tax function.  
• Lead or participate in cross-functional projects, promoting best practices and innovative solutions. 
• Demonstrate proactive leadership in resolving complex tax issues and driving team alignment. 
• Leading technical workshops or training sessions on direct tax updates, complex transactions, or best practices within the tax team and also SSC 
• Providing tax guidance on technical issues within the SSC 
• Creating and maintaining a knowledge base or best practice repository for direct tax processes and regulatory updates. 
• Driving post-audit or project debriefs to capture lessons learned and embed continuous improvement. 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE : 
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field; professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CTIM) preferred 
• 3+ years’ experience in direct tax compliance or advisory (in-house or Big 4 preferred) 
• Strong knowledge of corporate income tax, withholding tax, and transfer pricing 
• Experience with ERP systems and tax reporting tools 
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills 
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration 
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and adapt to regulatory changes 

KEY COMPETENCIES : 
• Technical expertise direct tax (Malaysia, Singapore & India) and indirect tax (Singapore) 
• Analytical thinking and attention to detail 
• Proactive problem-solving and process improvement mindset 
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills 
• Leadership and team collaboration 
• Good organizational skills  
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines 
• Adaptability to regulatory change and evolving business need