Senior Associate-Tax and Compliance Water and Shark

We are looking for a hands-on, technically strong, and client-facing professional to join our Tax & Regulatory Compliance Practice for the Middle East interested in a dynamic role in Middle East taxation & regulatory compliances, business advisory, financial reporting & MIS, consolidations, and cross-border financial advisory. We are looking for candidates who can think, analyse, advise, and execute, not merely process.

Candidates who are willing to apply their knowledge, skills, and experience to assist clients and management in achieving business goals across various jurisdictions are encouraged to apply.

Position Title: Sr. Associate – Tax and Compliance

Location: Dubai, UAE.

Experience Level: 2 years (UAE experience)

Education: Semi-qualified Chartered Accountant (preferred)

Primary Key Responsibilities:

1. UAE Taxation & Regulatory Compliances

• Independently manage UAE VAT and Corporate Tax compliance, including:

-->VAT & CT registrations

-->Return filings and assessments

-->Advisory on applicability, exemptions, and planning opportunities

• Provide ongoing tax advisory to clients on operational and transactional matters.

• Ensure compliance with AML, UBO, ESR, and other regulatory filings.

• Assistance in International Taxation and other global regulations.

• Liaise with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and other authorities when required.

2. Accounting, Bookkeeping & MIS Oversight

• Oversee bookkeeping and accounting for client entities.

• Assist in the Preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual MIS reports with detailed variance and ratio analysis.

• Prepare standalone and consolidated financial statements in compliance with applicable FR framework.

• Analyse financial data and advise clients on:

-->Business performance

-->Cash-flow and compliance risks

-->Corrective and remedial measures

• Coordinate with internal teams and external auditors as required.

3. UAE Business Setup & Implementation

• Advise clients on the most suitable jurisdiction for incorporation (Mainland, Free Zones, ADGM, DIFC, RAKICC, etc.).

• Lead end-to-end company formation, including:

-->Licensing strategy

-->Shareholding and governance structuring

-->Drafting and review of constitutional documents

• Handle post-incorporation compliances including amendments, renewals, and restructuring.

4. Client Management & Independent Handling

• Act as a primary point of contact for assigned clients.

• Independently handle client meetings, queries, and problem-solving.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through professional advisory and responsiveness.

• Ensure high standards of delivery, documentation, and communication.

5. Thought Leadership & Knowledge Development

• Draft blogs, insights, and technical updates on developments in:

-->UAE taxation

-->Regulatory changes

-->Business and structuring trends in the Middle East

• Continuously update technical knowledge and share insights internally.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams including tax, legal, and business advisory.

• Contribute to process improvement and implementation of best practices in reporting.