Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Harpal Singh Chawla

Dubai,UAE

Summary

An experienced accounting professional Chartered Accountant having 12+ years of experience with global leading consultancy firms, highly skilled in the field of taxation, versed in internal controls and business accounting practices. Focused on helping improve financial solvency with optimised systems and accurate forecasting. Diligent about auditing records and maintaining compliance standards. Looking forward to pursuing a dynamic and challenging career with an organization of repute. Accounting professional .

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Group Tax Manager – Head of Tax

Albatha Healthcare Group LLC
Dubai, UAE
04.2023 - Current

· Conducted compliance and accounting of VAT liabilities across the Group's operations, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements.

· Developed and executed VAT and Corporate tax implementation strategies, streamlining processes through meticulous compliance planning and internal procedures.

· Prepared, validated, and submitted all necessary VAT returns, supporting schedules, and documentation to the Federal Tax Authority.

· Coordinating with other functions and tax auditors to ensure VAT and Corporate tax accuracy and compliance in the books of accounts.

· Conducted comprehensive tax analysis to provide expert advice on tax planning and optimization strategies, ensuring adherence to local regulations.

· Implemented Corporate Tax regulations across 10 entities of Albatha Health Care Group LLC.

· Have undertaken Corporate tax compliances such as registration for 56 trade licenses in Albatha Healthcare Group LLC.

· Managed the implementation of Group Tax strategy and initiatives, focusing on planning, compliance, and risk management.

· Reviewed Group holding structure for tax efficiency and collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on tax matters.

· Participated in decision-making processes alongside CEO/COO, contributing to corporate strategy building.

· Analyzed past period submissions to mitigate Corporate Tax risks and rectify any discrepancies.

· Assisted with compliance on all tax matters, including review and disclosure of Transfer Pricing and WHT forms such as FATCA compliances.

· Reviewed related party transactions, tax notes, and financial statements prior to finalizing accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

· Identified tax planning opportunities within tax risk management limits, undertaking structuring/restructuring analysis and assisting in acquisitions.

· Served as the primary point of contact for all VAT and Corporate tax -related activities, providing ongoing training and mentorship to departments within the Group on VAT and Corporate tax implementation, documentation, and compliance.

· Reviewed legal tenders and distribution agreements from Corporate Tax and VAT law perspectives, ensuring compliance and minimizing tax exposure.

· Have handled other projects such as trade license restructuring, In-Country Value (ICV) Audits, Statutory Audits, etc.

Global Indirect Manager

Aramex PJSC
Dubai, UAE
09.2021 - 03.2023

· Prepared, validated, and submitted VAT returns, supporting schedules, and documentation to the Federal Tax Authority for UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and KSA.

· Managed day-to-day tax queries related to VAT, Customs, and Excise for 97 countries at Aramex PJSC.

· Handled tax audits across Africa and Asia in coordination with external consultants, providing support during audits in collaboration with Group Tax.

· Advised on withholding taxes and indirect taxes for cross-border payments, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

· Played a pivotal role in tax automation and technology implementation, contributing to the fine-tuning of IT systems for tax audit readiness.

· Provided guidance on IT requirements and participated in internal discussions for process automation.

· Led the implementation of E-Invoicing for Aramex's KSA entity, ensuring compliance with ZATCA Regulations.

· Managed the implementation of Group Tax strategy and initiatives, focusing on planning, compliance, and risk management.

· Reviewed Group holding structure for tax efficiency, optimizing tax obligations.

· Ensured global adherence to VAT/GST/Customs/Excise policies, maintaining proper records and documentation in respective jurisdictions.

· Liaising with the respective station managers, finance teams, relevant stake holders as well as the external consultants in each country to perform the above tasks

· Contributed to thought leadership in implementing new businesses like FLEET and SPOT at a global level, ensuring compliance with indirect tax regulations.

VAT Specialist

Modern Pharmaceutical LLC
Dubai, UAE
01.2020 - 08.2021

· Conducting compliance and accounting of VAT liabilities across the Group's operations, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.

· Developed and executed VAT implementation strategies, including compliance planning and internal procedures to streamline processes.

· Prepared, validated, and submitted all necessary VAT returns, supporting schedules, and documentation to the Federal Tax Authority.

· Implemented VAT principles, policies, and processes to ensure comprehensive VAT mechanism coverage across the Group.

· Served as the primary point of contact for all VAT-related activities, providing ongoing training and mentorship to departments within the Group on VAT implementation, documentation, and compliance.

· Conducted day-to-day transactional processing and reporting on taxation, accurately posting all tax-related entries.

· Evaluated VAT compliance implications associated with various business initiatives and proposals, providing guidance to mitigate risks.

· Ensured accurate VAT data collection, review, consolidation, and timely payment of quarterly VAT liabilities.

· Preparation of

· Prepared and presented monthly reports on the Group's VAT activities to management, offering insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.

· Stayed updated on VAT-related laws and rules, ensuring the Group's compliance with evolving regulations.

· Supported company with ESR and UBO filing in the UAE, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Senior Tax Consultant

WTS Dhruva Consultants
Dubai, UAE
07.2018 - 12.2019

· Led VAT/GST implementation projects across UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and India, overseeing system migration for seamless transitions.

· Conducted VAT health checks and business process analyses, restructuring IT systems for clients across diverse sectors, including a leading retail organization in the MENA region.

· Independently conducted VAT Impact Assessments and Diagnostic Reviews for over 25 clients, leading review projects involving coordination with multiple stakeholders to align processes with tax requirements.

· Provided comprehensive tax advisory and compliance services for more than 35 clients, including refund applications, product classifications, and drafting tax policies.

· Assisted clients with excise tax product classification, compliance, and audits, facilitating the creation of backup reports as necessary.

· Delivered internal trainings and tax-related workshops, enhancing stakeholders' understanding of tax regulations and compliance obligations.

· Contributed to thought leadership articles and media publications, showcasing expertise and insights in tax matters.

· Supported clients with ESR and UBO filing in the UAE, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Senior Executive

Banshi Jain and Associates
Mumbai, India
03.2014 - 07.2018

· Conducted VAT and Service Tax Audit, managed assessments for both VAT and Service Tax, and contributed to Indirect Tax Due Diligence for risk assessment.

· Prepared Commissioner and Tribunal appeals, actively supported client representation in front of Service Tax and Anti-Evasion Authorities.

· Integral member of GST Team, facilitating implementation and comprehension of GST law.

· Delivered GST Seminars and Training for clients such as DB Group, Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India, Derive Trading and Resorts Private Limited (Radisson), etc., tailored to their respective industries.

· Proficient in GST Monthly computation and return filing (GSTR 1, GSTR 2, GSTR 3B), adept at data analysis and reconciliation to ensure smooth transition from Service Tax and VAT to GST law.

· Managed assignments related to books of accounts including Finalization, Projected Balance Sheet, and Reconciliation, ensuring compliance with tax returns.

· Coordinated with bank authorities to secure project loans for clients, demonstrating effective communication and negotiation skills.

Article Assistant – Taxation

Ernst and Young LLP
Mumbai, India
02.2011 - 02.2014

· Executed Centralized Service Tax Registration and Amendment tasks, including Service Tax Refund claims, Returns, and monthly compliances.

· Contributed to risk assessment for clients through Indirect Tax Due Diligence, structuring agreements to comply with relevant indirect tax laws.

· Prepared Commissioner and Tribunal appeals, actively supported client representation in front of Service Tax and Anti-Evasion Authorities.

Education

Chartered Accountant - Accounting

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
Mumbai, India
05.2012 - 11.2017

Bachelor of Laws - LLB - Law

Mumbai University
Mumbai University L.L.B (LAW)
05.2014 - 05.2017

Master's degree - Accounting

Mumbai University
Mumbai, India
05.2012 - 05.2014

Skills

  • Strategy Building
  • Analytical Skills
  • Strong Presentation Skills
  • Corporate tax planning knowledge
  • Tax accounting specialization
  • Leadership
  • Team Management Networking
  • Positive attitude
  • Meeting deadline

Languages

English
Fluent
Hindi
Fluent
Punjabi
Advanced

Accomplishments

  • Have been awarded with "Exceeding Expectations" ranking for FY 2021 and FY 2022 in Aramex PJSC
  • Have won “Key Personnel” recognition of Finance Team in Modern Pharmaceutical LLC for FY 2020.
  • Rewarded ‘Kudos' multiple times for excellence in different assignments
  • Won award as TCE Tax Team ‘Best Public Relations’ for the period FY 2013 —2014.

Timeline

Group Tax Manager – Head of Tax

Albatha Healthcare Group LLC
04.2023 - Current

Global Indirect 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

Bachelor of Laws - LLB - Law

Mumbai University
05.2014 - 05.2017

Senior Executive

Banshi Jain and Associates
03.2014 - 07.2018

Chartered Accountant - Accounting

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
05.2012 - 11.2017

Master's degree - Accounting

Mumbai University
05.2012 - 05.2014

Article Assistant – Taxation

Ernst and Young LLP
02.2011 - 02.2014
Harpal Singh Chawla