HARPAL SINGH CHAWLA
Dubai
Summary
Chartered Accountant with 13+ years of experience in taxation, financial governance, and audit leadership, currently serving as Head of Tax and Shared Services at Albatha Healthcare Group. Leading the Shared Services finance function across multiple entities, with a strong track record in driving compliance, strengthening internal controls, and delivering operational efficiency. Trusted partner to senior leadership in building robust governance frameworks and enabling disciplined, well-controlled financial operations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Tax and Shared Service
Albatha Healthcare Group LLC
Dubai, UAE
10.2025 - Current
- Lead and oversee the Group Tax and Shared Services functions across multiple entities, covering Tax, General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Treasury, and Fleet operations for the entire group.
- Manage the financial and operational portfolio of the group supporting annual revenues of approximately AED 5 billion, ensuring strong governance, efficiency, and financial control.
- Manage and oversee group liquidity and treasury operations, including monitoring monthly cash flows of approximately AED 450 million inflows and AED 380 million outflows, ensuring effective cash flow planning and financial discipline.
- Direct and oversee statutory audits for 10 group companies and coordinate internal audit activities, ensuring compliance, timely closure of audits, and adherence to regulatory and group requirements.
- Act as a key member of the FP&A and acquisition team, contributing to the successful execution of more than 5 acquisitions with a combined transaction value exceeding AED 250 million.
- Establish and strengthen internal control frameworks, financial governance, and compliance processes across shared services functions.
- Drive process standardization, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery across finance operations.
- Partner with senior leadership to support strategic decision-making, risk management, and financial planning across the group.
Group Tax Manager - Corporate and VAT
Albatha Healthcare Group LLC
Dubai
04.2023 - 09.2025
- Led VAT and Corporate Tax compliance across UAE and GCC, ensuring adherence to FTA regulations and minimizing tax risk.
- Conducted tax structuring/restructuring and due diligence (FDD) for acquisitions, supporting strategic growth initiatives.
- Prepared financial statements for eight UAE entities and consolidated group-level reports in compliance with IFRS.
- Achieved AED 3.24 million in corporate tax savings and AED 32 million in VAT reductions through proactive tax planning.
- Designed OECD-aligned transfer pricing frameworks and documentation to ensure intercompany compliance.
- Advised CEO & CFO on tax planning, regulatory changes, and group-level financial strategy.
- Managed tax filings, refunds, disclosures, and FTA communications; led internal audits and ICV certifications.
Global Tax Manager
Aramex PJSC
Dubai
09.2021 - 03.2023
- Ensured timely and accurate filing of VAT, Corporate Tax, and Transfer Pricing disclosures across the UAE, KSA, Bahrain, and Oman.
- Managed tax strategy and advisory for Aramex PJSC, covering VAT, WHT, customs, and excise across 45 countries.
- Achieved $10M in tax savings by recovering KSA VAT and implementing effective tax planning solutions.
- Led group tax audits in coordination with external consultants, ensuring compliance and minimizing risks.
- Delivered successful implementation of KSA e-invoicing, enhancing automation and audit readiness.
- Provided WHT advisory on cross-border transactions and business expansions, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Reviewed group holding structure for tax efficiency and collaborated with finance teams to optimize global compliance.
VAT Specialist
Modern Pharmaceutical LLC
Dubai
01.2020 - 08.2021
- Led end-to-end VAT compliance and accounting across the group,ensuring full adherence to UAE tax regulations.
- Developed and executed VAT implementation strategies, enhancing process efficiency and system integration.
- Implemented standardized VAT policies and procedures across 10 group companies.
- Served as the primary VAT liaison, providing training, operational guidance, and regulatory updates to internal departments.
- Managed Economic Substance Regulation (ESR) and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) filings for 18 trade licenses
Senior Tax Consultant
WTS Dhruva Consultants
Dubai
07.2018 - 12.2019
- Led VAT/GST implementation across UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and India, ensuring seamless system migrations.
- Conducted VAT health checks and IT restructuring for major MENA retail organizations.
- Delivered VAT Impact Assessments and Diagnostic Reviews for 25+ clients, ensuring tax compliance.
- Provided tax advisory and compliance services for 35+ clients, including refund applications and policy drafting.
- Authored thought leadership articles and contributed to media publications on tax matters.
Senior Executive
Banshi Jain and Associates
Mumbai
03.2014 - 07.2018
- Conducted VAT and service tax audits, managed assessments, and supported indirect tax due diligence.
- Prepared appeals for Commissioner and Tribunal cases, assisting in client representation with Tax Authorities.
- Delivered industry-specific GST seminars and training for clients like DB Group and Radisson.
- Proficient in GST computation and return filing, ensuring aseamless transition from Service Tax and VAT.
Article Assistant - Taxation
Ernst and Young LLP
Mumbai
02.2011 - 02.2014
- Managed Centralized Service Tax Registration and Amendment tasks, handling refunds, returns, and monthly compliances.
- Conducted Indirect Tax Due Diligence to assess client risks,structuring agreements for compliance.
- Prepared appeals for Commissioner and Tribunal cases
Education
Chartered Accountant - Accounting
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
Mumbai, India11.2017
Bachelor of Laws - LLB - Law
Mumbai University
Mumbai, India05.2017
Master's degree - Accounting
Mumbai University
Mumbai, India05.2014
Skills
- Strategy Building
- Analytical Skills
- Corporate tax planning knowledge
- Leadership
- Meeting deadlines
- Financial governance
- Risk management
- Process automation
- Internal controls
Industries
- Healthcare
- Freight Forwarding and Logistics
- Hospitality
- Consumer and Retail
- Real Estate
- Education
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Oil & Gas
- Gold & Jewelry
Awards
- Recognized as the Middle East Tax Icon for FY 2025
- Appreciation Award, For managing Tax functions and compliance for Albatha Healthcare Group LLC (FY 2023 & 2024).
- Exceeding Expectations, Ranking for FY 2021 & 2022 at Aramex PJSC.
- Key Personnel, Recognized as 'Key Personnel' of the Finance Team at Modern Pharmaceutical LLC (FY 2020).
- Best Public Relations, Won the TCE Tax Team's 'Best Public Relations' award (FY 2013-2014).
Key Projects
- ICV Audits
- Consolidation of books of accounts
- Trade License Restructuring
- Due Diligence for New Acquisitions
- Purchase price allocation
- Automation of Key Business Processes
- Lead in Mergers and Acquisitions
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading
- Dancing
- Trekking
- Travelling
- Socializing
- Volunteering Work
References
- Anis Dadani, Chief Financial Officer, Albatha Healthcare Group LLC
- Junnaid Rasheed, Finance Business Partner, Albatha Healthcare Group LLC
- Sunita Juma, Tax Director, Aramex PJSC
- Rajpal Bal, Tax Director, Aramex PJSC
- Gaurav Shivhare, Tax Director, WTS Dhruva Consultants
Timeline
Head of Tax and Shared Service
Albatha Healthcare Group LLC
10.2025 - Current
Group Tax Manager - Corporate and VAT
Albatha Healthcare Group LLC
04.2023 - 09.2025
Global Tax Manager
Aramex PJSC
09.2021 - 03.2023
VAT Specialist
Modern Pharmaceutical LLC
01.2020 - 08.2021
Senior Tax Consultant
WTS Dhruva Consultants
07.2018 - 12.2019
Senior Executive
Banshi Jain and Associates
03.2014 - 07.2018
Article Assistant - Taxation
Ernst and Young LLP
02.2011 - 02.2014
Chartered Accountant - Accounting
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
Bachelor of Laws - LLB - Law
Mumbai University
Master's degree - Accounting
Mumbai University