Head of Tax

The Head of Tax at pawaPay is responsible for overseeing the entire tax function, ensuring compliance with tax regimes in various jurisdictions, leading tax strategy formulation, and managing operational responsibilities such as tax compliance and governance.

Ideal candidates for the Head of Tax position at pawaPay should possess extensive tax experience, preferably in fintech, a deep understanding of Sub-Saharan African tax regimes, and strong analytical and leadership skills to manage a growing team.

The Head of Tax collaborates closely with finance, legal, and corporate secretarial teams to ensure tax treatments align with business strategies and compliance regulations while also advising on intercompany arrangements and business expansions.

A tax strategy is vital for pawaPay as it allows the Head of Tax to optimize the company's tax position legally and strategically, preparing the business for growth and potential market entries while mitigating risks associated with compliance.

The ideal Head of Tax at pawaPay should demonstrate strong team leadership capabilities, inspiring and developing a small tax team, along with excellent communication and negotiation skills to effectively manage relationships with external advisors and revenue authorities.

When answering this question, focus on specific jurisdictions you've worked in, detailing your familiarity with local tax laws, the impact of compliance on the business, and strategies you implemented to ensure timely and accurate filings.

Discuss your analytical approach to assessing current tax structures and potential future implications, emphasizing how you align tax strategies with overall business goals and the importance of collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Provide concrete examples of situations where you've successfully negotiated or communicated with tax authorities, highlighting any resolutions or advancements achieved for the company during these interactions.

Explain your process for keeping up to date with tax legislation, including resources you utilize, how you assess impacts on the business, and your proactive approach in advising senior management.

Share a specific instance, detailing the nature of the issue, the analysis you conducted, the steps taken to resolve it, and the successful outcome, showcasing your problem-solving skills.

Talk about your experience with tax automation tools and how they have improved efficiency, accuracy, and compliance in tax reporting and operations, emphasizing continual improvement.

Highlight your collaborative approach to working with senior leaders, your ability to understand business goals, and how you formulate tax strategies that support these goals while managing risks.

Discuss common challenges like differing tax regulations, complexity in intercompany transactions, and compliance risks, and how a cohesive strategy can mitigate these issues for businesses like pawaPay.

Share your philosophy on mentorship, focusing on the importance of training, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a collaborative environment that encourages continuous learning.

Discuss potential initiatives such as establishing clear compliance calendars, improving documentation processes, and investing in training and development for team members to enhance overall efficiency and adherence to tax obligations.