Direct Tax Specialist - Malaysia&Singapore | WPP SSC MY

JOB PURPOSE :

Ensure the organization’s compliance with direct tax regulations (corporate income tax, withholding tax, transfer pricing) through accurate reporting, timely filings, and proactive risk management. Provide technical expertise and advisory support on direct tax matters to finance and business teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Prepare, review, and file direct tax returns (corporate income tax, withholding tax, etc.) in accordance with statutory deadlines
• Manage tax computations, deferred tax calculations, and tax provision processes
• Support transfer pricing documentation and compliance requirements
• Monitor changes in direct tax laws and communicate implications to relevant stakeholders
• Liaise with tax authorities, auditors, and external advisors on direct tax matters, including audits and queries
• Advise business units on direct tax implications of transactions and contracts
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance in direct tax reporting
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls and documentation for direct tax processes
• Provide training and guidance to finance and operational teams on direct tax compliance

Process Improvement and Standardization

• Developing and implementing standardized templates for direct tax computations, provisions, and return packages across entities.
• Designing and rolling out SOPs for direct tax compliance, including documentation standards and review checkpoints.
• Benchmarking direct tax processes against industry best practices and driving continuous improvement projects to address gaps.

Stakeholder Management & Support

• Acting as the key point of contact for tax agents and and external auditors ensuring all queries are addressed promptly and accurately.
• Advising business units and senior management on direct tax implications of business decisions, mergers, or restructurings.
• Coordinating with finance, and operations teams to gather data and align on direct tax reporting requirements.
• Leading cross-functional meetings to communicate tax risks, regulatory changes, and compliance expectations.

Leadership & Knowledge Sharing

• Leading technical workshops or training sessions on direct tax updates, complex transactions, or best practices for finance and business teams.
• Mentoring cross-functional colleagues, providing guidance on technical issues
• Creating and maintaining a knowledge base or best practice repository for direct tax processes and regulatory updates.
• Driving post-audit or project debriefs to capture lessons learned and embed continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE :

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field; professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CTIM) preferred
• 3+ years’ experience in direct tax compliance or advisory (in-house or Big 4 preferred)
• Strong knowledge of corporate income tax, withholding tax, and transfer pricing
• Experience with ERP systems and tax reporting tools
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and adapt to regulatory changes

KEY COMPETENCIES :

• In-depth knowledge of direct tax laws and compliance (corporate income tax, withholding tax, transfer pricing)
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Process improvement and standardization
• Stakeholder management and advisory skills
• Effective communication and collaboration
• Project management and organizational skills
• Leadership and knowledge sharing