This role will support the Finance Manager in overseeing the company’s financial operations, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and delivering accurate reporting for both the company and its clients. The successful candidate will also play a lead role in managing tax and audit queries.

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team as a Finance Assistant Manager – Tax & Audit Specialist. This role will support the Finance Manager in overseeing the company’s financial operations, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and delivering accurate reporting for both the company and its clients. The successful candidate will also play a lead role in managing tax and audit matters, liaising with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), external auditors, and regulatory bodies as required for a Management Company licensed by the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Support

- Lead and mentor the finance team, ensuring professional development, effective delegation, and a culture of collaboration.
- Facilitate training sessions for the finance and administration teams to improve knowledge of compliance, reporting, and client servicing.
- Support the administration team with day-to-day finance-related matters for client entities under management.

Financial Management & Strategy

- Assist the Finance Manager in developing and implementing financial strategies aligned with company objectives.
- Conduct financial analysis, forecasting, and modelling to assess company and client performance, identifying areas for improvement.
- Participate in commercial negotiations, contribute to marketing and business development initiatives, and conduct cost-benefit analyses.
- Assist in designing and implementing pricing strategies that balance profitability with market competitiveness.

Tax & Audit Specialist Functions

- Act as the primary contact for all tax-related matters, liaising directly with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) to address corporate tax queries, VAT compliance, PAYE/NPF returns, and other obligations for both the company and client entities.
- Manage preparation, review, and timely filing of statutory tax returns.
- Coordinate with external auditors during statutory audits, ensuring accurate and timely responses to audit queries.
- Support audit readiness by preparing reconciliations, reviewing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with IFRS and FSC requirements.
- Monitor and interpret changes in taxation laws and audit standards, advising management and clients accordingly.
- Provide guidance to the client administration teams on tax implications of corporate transactions, dividend distributions, and structuring options within the FSC framework.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

- Ensure compliance with FSC regulations, Companies Act, and internal policies.
- Assist with financial reporting obligations required by regulators and stakeholders.
- Develop and implement risk management strategies to safeguard the financial health of the company and its clients.

Reporting & Budgeting

- Oversee budgeting processes, monitor company and client performance against forecasts, and recommend corrective actions where necessary.
- Prepare accurate financial statements, management accounts, and statutory reports.
- Collaborate with auditors and external accountants to ensure completeness and compliance of reporting.

Skills and Competencies

- Strong knowledge of Mauritius tax framework, MRA processes, VAT, PAYE, and corporate tax rules.
- Practical experience in audit preparation, responding to auditor queries, and applying IFRS standards.
- Solid understanding of financial reporting, analysis, and regulatory requirements for Management Companies and their Global Business clients.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organisational abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders including auditors, external accountants, clients, and regulatory bodies.

Qualifications

- ACCA, ACA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification.
- Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience in finance, with a focus on taxation and audit.
- Previous experience in a Management Company or financial services sector in Mauritius will be a significant advantage.
- Proficiency in accounting software, Microsoft Excel, and financial modelling.

Reporting

Reports directly to the Finance Manager, with regular collaboration with the Managing Director, the Corporate Manager, external auditors, and regulators.