Assistant Manager

Metaworld Consultants is seeking an Assistant Manager–1 to oversee and deliver Corporate Tax, VAT, and other tax compliance and advisory services for a diverse client portfolio. The ideal candidate will have practical knowledge of UAE tax laws and/or Pakistan’s direct and indirect taxation, strong technical research abilities, and excellent report-writing skills. This role involves reviewing financial data to identify tax risks and ensuring timely, accurate submissions to tax authorities. The Assistant Manager will serve as the primary contact for assigned clients, coordinate deliverables, monitor deadlines, and supervise junior team members, working closely with the Tax Manager and senior leadership to uphold service quality and support business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Tax Compliance Management:
Manage UAE Corporate Tax, VAT, and other tax compliance assignments in line with relevant legislation and tax authority requirements. Prepare and review tax registrations, amendments, returns, refund applications, reconciliations, and supporting schedules. Examine tax computations and working papers for accuracy and completeness. Analyze financial records to identify tax implications and compliance gaps. Coordinate timely collection of client information and maintain compliance trackers to meet statutory deadlines. Utilize EmaraTax and other portals for processing registrations, filings, and follow-ups.

Tax Advisory, Technical Research & Reporting:
Conduct in-depth research on tax legislation, Cabinet and Ministerial Decisions, Executive Regulations, and official guidance. Prepare advisory reports, technical memoranda, tax assessments, and client correspondence. Analyze tax implications of business transactions and financial activities, identifying risks and practical considerations. Support tax health checks, compliance reviews, and due diligence exercises. Monitor legislative changes and assess their impact on clients, providing clear, commercially relevant recommendations.

Client & Engagement Management:
Act as the day-to-day liaison for assigned clients, maintaining professional and responsive relationships. Coordinate information requests, follow up on outstanding documents, and communicate engagement timelines and deliverables. Manage multiple assignments simultaneously, prioritizing workload and escalating issues as needed. Participate in client meetings alongside senior management, explaining findings and tracking action items. Assist in preparing proposals, engagement letters, fee submissions, and presentations. Support business development by identifying client needs and contributing to proposals.

Review, Supervision & Team Development:
Review work prepared by junior staff, including tax returns, reconciliations, computations, and reports, ensuring technical accuracy and quality. Provide ongoing technical guidance, feedback, and coaching to junior team members. Allocate tasks within engagements, monitor progress, and report capacity or delivery concerns. Ensure final deliverables meet internal quality standards before submission.

Tax Authority & Regulatory Coordination:
Coordinate responses to tax authority enquiries, audits, assessments, and information requests. Review supporting documentation and assist in preparing accurate and timely replies. Maintain organized engagement files, correspondence, and evidence of submissions. Stay updated on tax authority procedures, portal requirements, and regulatory developments affecting client work.

Internal, Technical & Business Support:
Prepare and review tax alerts, technical updates, newsletters, proposals, and client presentations. Contribute to the enhancement of internal templates, working papers, compliance trackers, and standard operating procedures. Maintain accurate timesheets, budgets, client records, and documentation. Participate in internal knowledge-sharing and training sessions. Support senior management with engagement management, client meetings, and business development activities. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education & Professional Qualification:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related field. Candidates with M.Com, MBA, or equivalent qualifications will also be considered. Professional qualifications such as CA, ACCA, CIMA, ICMA, or equivalents, either completed or in progress, are essential.

Relevant Experience:
2–3 years of tax experience in consultancy, accounting firms, or professional services. Practical exposure to UAE Corporate Tax and VAT or Pakistan direct and indirect taxation is required. Experience with tax registrations, returns, reconciliations, refunds, and tax authority portals like EmaraTax is preferred.

Technical & Professional Skills:
Strong understanding of financial statements and tax legislation, with the ability to interpret official guidance. Excellent report-writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Capable of managing deadlines and supervising junior staff effectively.