VAT Associate

GROUP OVERVIEW Aspen has a proud heritage dating back more than 160 years and is committed to sustaining life and promoting healthcare through increasing access to its high quality affordable medicines and products. As a leading global player in specialty, branded and generic pharmaceuticals, Aspen has an extensive basket of products that provide treatment for a broad spectrum of acute and chronic conditions experienced through all stages of life. The Group continues to increase the number of lives benefitting from its products, reaching more than 150 countries. In line with the Group's commercial, production and territorial strategies, Aspen has identified thrombosis, anaesthetics, high potency & cytotoxics and infant nutritionals as four therapeutic categories which will get the highest focus based on materiality and future potential. Aspen holds international manufacturing approvals from some of the most stringent global regulatory agencies including the US FDA, TGA and EMA. Aspen's manufacturing capabilities are scaleable to demand and cover a wide variety of product-types including oral solid dose, liquids, semi-solids, steriles, biologicals, APIs and infant nutritionals. GLOBAL PRESENCE Aspen has a strong presence in both emerging and developed countries with more than ​​​​​​​60 established business operations in approximately 50 countries. The Group supplies medicines and products to more than 150 countries. Role Overview We are currently looking for a VAT Associate to join our team in the Dubai office.  The right candidate will support the finance team in ensuring the company and its affiliates comply with all direct and indirect tax compliance obligations, with primary responsibilities for the preparation and review of all VAT returns  across all jurisdictions where the company has VAT registration. Responsibilities: Prepare and file all VAT and statistical returns, for over 40 registrations, spanning 20 countries (both EU and non EU), and 10 companies. Maintain company's VAT records and ensure they are fully up to date at all times. Performing an advisory role on all tax matters, supporting the business in setting strategies and partnering with them to implement projects. Lead new VAT registrations across the region. Ensure correct trade route treatment, by coordinating with other group companies, and maintain these in the ERP system. Assist in provision of tax advice to the business. Coordinate and manage relationships with external tax advisors, in terms of billing and deliverables. VAT reconciliations with the accounts and general ledgers. Assist in monitoring of compliance with VAT codes / customer details on our ERP systems. Continually improve work processes, and ensure documentation is up to date at all times. Assist in preparation and response in relation to VAT audits, internal and external. Assist with project management and implementation. Assist in bringing in-house the VAT submissions for all the Vat registrations. Assist in developing in-house knowledge. Any other Ad-hoc tax duties. Position Requirements: Bachelor degree in Finance or Accounting Professional qualification: Preferably CIMA, ACCA, CPA, CA, or any tax qualifications 2-3 years' experience in a similar role essential Experience in Pharmaceutical/FMCG industry (desirable)