Job Description
| Job Title | Tax Audit Specialist | ||
| Sector | Taxpayer Compliance | ||
| Department | Indirect Tax Audit | ||
| Section | SME Taxpayer Indirect Audits | ||
| Job Code | Target Financial Grade | ||
| General Job Group | Specialized Jobs | Job Sub-group | Financial Affairs Jobs |
Job Summary
The Tax Audit Specialist performs detailed indirect tax audits for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to verify the accuracy of reported tax obligations and refund claims. The role executes testing procedures, analyzes financial and transactional data, identifies non-compliance, and drafts well-supported adjustments and case documentation. It applies insights and risk signals provided by the Compliance Risk & Data Analytics teams to focus testing efficiently and ensure high-quality, evidence-based audit outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Case Intake & Planning
- Reviews assigned cases and follows defined audit scope and priorities based on SME risk indicators and taxpayer history.
- Prepares and maintains audit plans, information requests, and sampling strategies aligned to SME-specific risk factors (e.g., documentation sufficiency, zero-rating, place-of-supply).
- Uses datasets and risk insights provided by the Compliance Risk & Data Analytics teams to focus audit testing effectively.
Fieldwork & Evidence Testing
- Examines VAT returns, ledgers, invoices, contracts, and related financial documents to confirm completeness and accuracy.
- Performs walkthroughs and executes testing procedures on accounting and record-keeping practices under senior guidance.
- Verifies refund claims and input-tax credits for eligibility, apportionment, and compliance with approved documentation standards.
Technical Analysis & Adjustments
- Assesses issues typical to SMEs such as timing differences, proof of export/zero-rating, and mixed-use apportionment.
- Prepares draft calculation schedules, summaries, and working papers to support findings with factual and legal references.
- Assists in preparing draft determinations and penalty recommendations, submitting for review and approval by senior auditors or section heads.
Refund Verification & Fraud Indicators
- Applies and interprets system-generated anomaly checks relevant to SMEs (e.g., refund-to-turnover ratios, rapid claim cycles, high-risk supplier links) where not already automated.
- Identifies and escalates unusual transaction patterns or discrepancies to senior auditors or the Investigations Unit.
- Supports follow-up actions with Collections for recovery or offset of over-claimed refunds as directed.
Reporting & Case Closure
- Compiles complete working papers, evidence logs, and audit trails that meet internal review and documentation standards.
- Assists in drafting findings letters, recording taxpayer representations, conducting closing discussions, and finalizing assessments within required timelines.
- Documents lessons learned and suggests improvements in SME audit procedures and documentation quality.
Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing
- Coordinates with Legal Affairs to confirm technical interpretations and documentation sufficiency.
- Supports collaboration with Large Taxpayer and Investigations units on related-party or cross-case issues when applicable.
- Contributes practical examples and feedback to update audit manuals, templates, and checklists under supervision.
Monitoring & Insights
- Monitors assigned audit metrics (e.g., yield, cycle time, refund denials) and provides updates on progress.
- Shares observations with the Compliance Risk & Data Analytics teams to help refine selection parameters and identify emerging non-compliance patterns.
- Highlights recurring SME issues or risk themes for inclusion in audit campaigns or awareness activities.
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
| Preferred qualifications | ● Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Taxation, Finance, Economics, or a related field. ● Professional certification in taxation or audit (e.g., CTA, ACCA, CPA, CIA) is an advantage. |
| Preferred experience | ● 9+ years’ experience in indirect tax audits, with a focus on SMEs and refund verifications. ● Proven ability to prepare defensible determinations and assist in resolving disputes or compliance reviews. ● Experience collaborating with analytics, investigations, and legal teams to execute risk-based audits. |
| Technical & Other Skills | ● Strong understanding of VAT audit methodologies, sampling techniques, and evidence management. ● Ability to analyze transactional data, identify anomalies, and trace records across systems. ● Clear written communication and analytical skills; capable of drafting defensible findings and adjustments. ● Effective organization, case management, and time management skills with attention to audit quality and accuracy. |
Key Performance Indicators
| KPI Category | KPI Title | KPI Description | Unit |
| Strategic | |||
| Operational | |||
| Task-specific | |||
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
| Minimum Financial Grade | 4th Financial Grade | |
| Minimum Experience (by qualification) | PhD / Doctorate | 5 Years |
| MSc / Masters | 8 Years | |
| BSc / Bachelors | 9 Years | |