Associate/Assistant Manager - Direct Tax - Accounting/Finance/Audit

Role Overview: We are seeking a seasoned Direct Tax professional to join our Mumbai-based finance team as an Associate/Assistant Manager. In this role, you will serve as a key subject matter expert, overseeing the end-to-end direct tax lifecycle, including complex tax computations, regulatory filings, and strategic advisory. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional internal stakeholders and external consultants to ensure seamless compliance while optimizing the organization's tax position. Your work will directly influence the company's financial health by mitigating tax risks and ensuring robust governance in a dynamic regulatory environment. Key Responsibilities: - Manage the preparation and filing of corporate tax returns to ensure 100% compliance with statutory deadlines and local regulations. - Lead tax audit proceedings and represent the organization before tax authorities to resolve queries and minimize litigation exposure. - Execute tax planning initiatives by analyzing business operations to identify opportunities for tax efficiency and cost optimization. - Oversee the computation of deferred tax and current tax provisions to ensure accurate financial reporting and adherence to accounting standards. - Provide expert advisory support to internal business units on withholding tax matters and cross-border transactions to ensure regulatory alignment. Required Skillset: - Demonstrated expertise in the Income Tax Act, with a proven ability to interpret complex tax laws and apply them to diverse business scenarios. - Strong analytical capabilities to manage large datasets and perform detailed reconciliations for tax audits and assessments. - Excellent communication skills to effectively articulate technical tax positions to senior leadership and external regulatory bodies. - A qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) designation is mandatory, reflecting a deep understanding of financial and tax frameworks. - Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment in Mumbai, balancing multiple deadlines with high attention to detail. - 4 - 12 years of progressive experience in managing direct tax functions within a corporate or professional services firm.