[Johor] Regional Direct Tax Lead (FMCG / Manufacturing)

About the Company
Randstad is partnering up with a Dutch MNC in the FMCG. They are looking for a direct tax lead to join their expanding team in Johor.

About the Job

Role Overview

We're seeking an experienced tax professional to lead regional direct tax and transfer pricing matters across key markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, and China. This role involves a combination of advisory, compliance, and audit-related responsibilities, requiring a strategic thinker with strong operational capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage Direct Tax Compliance: Oversee all aspects of direct tax compliance and reporting across assigned jurisdictions, ensuring accurate tax provisioning, timely filing, and alignment with local statutory requirements.
2. Drive Transfer Pricing Governance: Lead transfer pricing documentation, compliance, and policy alignment initiatives. Ensure consistent application of intercompany pricing practices in line with OECD and local regulations.
3. Audit & Regulatory Management: Represent the company during direct tax and transfer pricing audits. Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external advisors to prepare documentation, manage queries, and resolve issues with tax authorities.
4. Business Tax Advisory: Act as the primary point of contact for tax-related matters across the business. Provide clear, practical advice on withholding tax, permanent establishment risks, cross-border transactions, and tax impacts of new business initiatives or investments.
5. Incentive Programs & Stakeholder Engagement: Identify and manage tax incentive opportunities. Lead applications and negotiations with relevant authorities to secure and maintain tax incentives or exemptions.
6. Intercompany Agreement Review: Collaborate with legal and finance teams to review and advise on intercompany agreements to ensure alignment with transfer pricing policies and tax requirements.
7. Tax Risk Monitoring: Maintain oversight of tax risks across operating entities and ensure that emerging issues are identified, reported, and addressed in a timely manner.
8. Cross-border Coordination: Liaise with local finance teams, external consultants, and regional tax authorities to ensure alignment and compliance across Singapore, Malaysia, and China.
9. Support Strategic Projects: Contribute tax insights and analysis to regional projects such as restructurings, new investments, and changes in business models or supply chains.
10. Process Improvement & Systems: Support tax process automation and improvements. Utilize tools such as Excel, SAP, and other relevant systems to drive efficiency and accuracy in reporting and analysis.

Key Requirements

1. Solid grounding in direct tax functions, including tax accounting, deferred tax analysis, and corporate tax computations.
2. Familiarity with transfer pricing frameworks, documentation requirements, and local regulatory compliance.
3. Proven track record in managing both direct tax and transfer pricing audits with authorities or external stakeholders.
4. Ability to deliver practical tax advisory to the business, such as guidance on withholding tax exposure, intercompany contract reviews, and tax aspects of capital investments.
5. In-depth knowledge of tax legislation and regulatory environments in at least one or more of the following jurisdictions: Malaysia, Singapore, and China.
6. Strong communication skills in English and Mandarin are essential. Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia would be advantageous.
7. At least 5 years of relevant experience in tax or closely related functions.
8. Hands-on involvement in tax incentive programs, including applications, regulatory interactions, and compliance tracking.
9. Previous experience with a global accounting or advisory firm (e.g., Big Four) will be considered a plus.
10. Competency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint is essential. Exposure to SAP or similar ERP systems is preferred.

About the Manager/Team
This role reports to the head of tax for SG and MY.

If you are keen to explore, kindly apply to the job ads above or reach out to Dex at 0162541577.