Main Purpose:
In-house Tax department – Correctly discharge all Customs and Excise obligations, ensure full compliance with the rules & regulations and manage the Customs and Excise working capital position in the Puma Energy Group.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities, Key Responsibilities:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Global Customs Manager will work with both internal cross-functional partners within the business and with external partners and suppliers to ensure customs, excise and international trade compliance within Puma Energy globally, namely:
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Compliance Management:
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Ensure compliance with all applicable Customs and Excise laws and regulations, particularly excise tax, customs duties, and other similar indirect taxes;
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Monitor changes in Customs and Excise laws and regulations globally, assess their impact on the organization, and implement necessary adjustments to ensure compliance;
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Maintain Customs and Excise licenses, registrations and permits;
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Preparation and provision of training in Customs and Excise areas; and
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Appointment and management of Customs Agents.
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Tax Planning and Strategy:
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Develop and implement tax planning strategies to optimize Customs and Excise positions, minimize tax liabilities, and identify tax-saving opportunities;
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Be the in-house Customs and Excise advisor for the Puma Energy Group;
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align tax planning initiatives with business objectives and ensure tax-efficient structures and transactions; and
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Interpretation and implementation of International Trade Instruments, Trade Agreements, Economic Partnership Agreements, etc.
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Tax Reporting and Filings:
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Ensure all required documentation and supporting records are maintained according to each country prescription laws;
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Ensure that monthly, quarterly or annual Customs and Excise reconciliations are performed; and
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Coordinate with accounting, finance and other teams to obtain necessary data for Customs and Excise reporting purposes.
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Tax Audits and Disputes:
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Manage and coordinate all audits and inquiries by Customs and Excise authorities;
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Respond to or assist the countries in responding to inquiries, providing requested information, and represent the organization in discussions with Customs and Excise Authorities; and
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Prepare and defend tax positions during audits and resolve any disputes or controversies in collaboration with legal and tax advisors.
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Process Improvement:
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Continuously assess and enhance internal processes, systems, and controls to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance;
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Formalization and operationalizing of the Group’s Customs and Excise Policies;
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Documentation of procedures and mapping of flows;
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Identify opportunities for automation and technology adoption to streamline Customs and Excise related workflows and reporting; and
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Keep updated on global developments at international bodies (WCO, WTO, OECD, etc.).
In Addition:
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Maintain relations with Customs and other relevant Authorities;
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Weekly Management Reporting; and
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Advise and monitor on all new product flows globally.
SKILSS & COMPETENCIES:
Competencies
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A high level of internal and external communication skills;
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Relationship building with both internal and external partners;
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A large amount of cross department data sharing;
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Needs to develop a good working relationship with third parties and external bodies such as local Chambers of Commerce, Industry Bodies and local customs authorities;
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Required to provide support to from both a strategic / projects perspective and also day-to-day operational issues and challenges;
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A willingness to travel to different countries;
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Structured and organized approach;
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Able to work under pressure; and
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Team player.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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Self-starter
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Hands-on
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Attention to detail
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Assertive
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Tenacious
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Good communication skills
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Cope under pressure
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Strong Lateral thinking and problem-solving skills
Requirements:
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A degree in Law, Tax or Accounting
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10+ years’ experience in Customs and Excise
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Experience in different jurisdictions a major advantage
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Experience in the oil industry a major advantage
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Background in Accounting (Big Four), Legal professions and/or Tax Authority experience an advantage
Key Relationships and Department Overview:
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External Stakeholders – Tax and Customs and Excise Authorities, Tax Consultants and Lawyers, Clearing Agents, transporters, Government Departments, etc,
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Internal Stakeholders – Tax, Finance, Supply, Legal, Traders, Business Development, Logistics, Transport teams, etc
