Tax Specialist - West Africa

Job description

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future. Main Purpose of the Job The main purpose of the Taxation Specialist role is to ensure full and timely tax compliance across the North and West Africa regions (consisting of Mali, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Ethiopia and Egypt) while maintaining accurate tax-related accounting through strong balance sheet and tax control account reconciliations , supporting the close process, audits, and internal controls to minimize tax risk. Tax compliance Prepare and submit regional tax filings in line with local requirements and deadlines (e.g., VAT/TVA, withholding tax, corporate income tax returns/support, provision tax, and other international taxes where applicable). Ensure accurate tax calculations, supporting schedules, and documentation for submissions and payments. Monitor changes in tax legislation across responsible regions; assess impact and coordinate implementation with Finance and relevant stakeholders. Liaise with local tax authorities (directly or through advisors) to manage queries, notices, assessments, and follow-ups. Coordinate and support tax audits, inspections, and information requests; maintain a complete, audit-ready tax filing repository. Support tax provisioning and reporting requirements by providing schedules, explanations, and analysis to finance teams. Preparing deferred taxation calculations. Account Reconciliations Perform monthly reconciliations of tax-related balance sheet accounts (e.g., VAT/TVA control, WHT payable/receivable, CIT payable, tax accruals, deferred tax entries if in scope). Investigate reconciling items, identify root causes, and drive timely resolution with AP, AR, Treasury, and accounting teams. Ensure taxes are correctly recorded in the general ledger and aligned to source systems and statutory records. Prepare and post-tax-related journals as required (accruals, reclasses, true-ups), ensuring appropriate approvals and backup. Maintain clear reconciliation support, aging analyses, and action plans for open items. Controls, Close Support & Stakeholder Management Support month-end close activities relating to tax, including timely submissions of reconciliation packs and reporting schedules. Maintain and improve tax processes, checklists, and internal controls to reduce risk and improve efficiency. Partner with shared services, local finance teams, and external advisors to ensure consistent application of policies across the regions. Contribute to finance transformation/standardization initiatives impacting tax compliance and reconciliations. Manage and drive all tax audit request received from the regions Revenue authority. Assist with preparing transfer pricing documentation, where required. Ensure all statutory compliance requirements, for all entities are met, as required in each region. Assist with ad-hoc queries raised by Group Tax. Competencies required for the role are as follows: Behavioral Competencies High attention to detail and strong analytical/problem-solving capability. Ability to manage multiple deadlines across countries and work effectively under pressure. Clear communication skills for liaising with internal stakeholders and external parties. Integrity, ownership mindset, and commitment to compliance and controls. Ability to investigate, resolve and respond to queries. Technical Competencies Strong knowledge of tax compliance requirements (VAT/WHT/CIT fundamentals) and documentation standards. Solid understanding of accounting principles and balance sheet substantiation. Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g. SAP) and advanced Excel (pivot tables, lookups, reconciliation templates). Strong documentation discipline and ability to maintain audit-ready files. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Tax, or related field (professional qualification/advanced tax certification is an advantage). 3-5 years’ experience in tax compliance and/or finance roles with significant tax exposure; regional/multi-country experience preferred. Demonstrated experience reconciling tax control accounts and resolving complex reconciling items. Experience working with external tax advisors and/or tax authorities. Ability to speak and communicate fluently in both French and English language. Working at ALS The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world. Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence. At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us. We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities. Everyone Matters ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued. ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request. Eligibility To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa. How to apply Please apply on-line and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.