VAT Specialist

Description

Summary: The VAT Specialist supports the Authority's VAT function by providing technical and operational support across policy, process, systems, compliance, and monitoring for efficient VAT operations. Highlights: 1. Supports VAT policy translation into operational procedures and guidance 2. Contributes to VAT compliance controls and risk management 3. Provides technical VAT support and capacity building for internal teams Job Summary The VAT Specialist supports the Authority’s Value Added Tax (VAT) function under the Strategic Planning Section Head. The role provides technical and operational support across policy translation, process design, system readiness, compliance controls, and performance monitoring to help ensure a reliable, efficient VAT operation. Key Responsibilities VAT Policy Support * Supports translating VAT policy decisions into operational procedures, workflows, and guidance. * Oversees and contributes to drafting VAT manuals, private rulings/clarifications, and public\-facing guidance (FAQs, circulars). * Monitors international VAT/GST developments and proposes updates to procedures and content. Implementation \& Operations * Supports the definition and documentation of VAT processes (registration, filing, payments, refunds, appeals) in coordination with process owners ensuring clarity of inputs/outputs, controls, and alignment with strategic and policy frameworks. * Coordinates with Information Systems \& Digital Transformation to support the validation of rules, master data, and integrations, escalating technical findings to the VAT Expert or relevant authority for review and final approval. * Executes testing scenarios and business\-rule validation; logs defects and follows through to resolution. * Supports VAT go\-live activities and subsequent releases, including readiness checklists and cutover tasks. Compliance \& Risk Management * Supports establishment of VAT compliance controls (segregation, approvals, audit trails) and risk indicators. * Assists in developing risk\-based treatments (nudge letters, targeted education, referrals). * Assists in preparing case packs and playbooks for VAT\-specific risk themes, providing technical inputs and contextual analysis in coordination with Risk and Audit teams to ensure consistency and strategic alignment. Monitoring \& Reporting * Collects and analyzes VAT operational and compliance data (e.g., filing timeliness, payment behavior, refund cycles, exception rates) in collaboration with stakeholder departments, consolidating insights to support strategic monitoring and reporting. * Prepares periodic KPI and risk reports with observations and recommended monitoring and corrective actions, ensuring follow\-up and accountability for implementation. * Contributes to mid\-year and year\-end reviews of VAT outcomes and improvement plans. Capacity Building \& Taxpayer Support * Contributes to and supports the delivery of targeted training for internal teams on VAT procedures, system use, and control points, in collaboration with relevant departments. * Delivers targeted training to internal teams on VAT procedures, system use, and control points. * Provides technical VAT support on cases; escalates complex matters to the VAT Head/Section Head with options and rationale. * Supports awareness materials and campaigns to improve taxpayer understanding and compliance. Stakeholder Collaboration * Coordinates with Policy \& Legislation, Taxpayer Affairs, Returns \& Filing, Revenue, and Compliance functions to align guidance and handoffs. * Works with external stakeholders (as directed) to gather feedback on clarity/usability of VAT processes and materials. Pay: Up to QAR12,000\.00 per month Work Location: In person