Head Tax

At Vedanta, we believe that human capital is our core asset. Identifying internal talent and elevating them to enhanced leadership roles is the hallmark of our organization and has been the key factor in delivering business growth. Cairn Oil & Gas is the largest private oil and gas exploration and production company in India, accounting for more than a quarter of India’s domestic crude oil production.

Head Tax

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic tax professional to lead the Tax function of our organization. The Head of Tax will be responsible for overseeing the entire spectrum of direct and indirect tax operations, compliance, planning, litigation, and stakeholder management for our Indian and cross-border operations. This role plays a critical part in ensuring tax efficiency, minimizing tax risks, and enabling business strategies in alignment with legal and regulatory frameworks.

Key Responsibilities:

Tax Strategy and Planning:

• Lead the development and implementation of tax strategies that align with business objectives and maximize tax efficiencies across all operations within the oil and gas unit.
• Monitor changes in tax law and regulation, both locally and internationally, and assess their impact on the business. Proactively advise senior management on anticipated changes and recommended actions.
• Work closely with the Finance, Legal, and Commercial teams to assess the tax implications of new projects, investments, and business models, ensuring that tax considerations are integrated into business planning and decision-making.
• Develop and lead transfer pricing strategies and documentation for cross-border transactions within the group.

1. Tax Compliance & Operations

• Manage all direct and indirect tax compliance, including corporate income tax, VAT/GST, customs, withholding, and excise taxes.
• Ensure timely and accurate filing of all required tax returns and related disclosures in all jurisdictions where the unit operates.
• Maintain and update policies and procedures to ensure consistent compliance with applicable tax requirements.
• Implement robust controls and tax risk management practices to minimize exposure to audit adjustments, penalties, and interest.

Tax Accounting and Reporting:

• Coordinate with the Finance team to ensure accurate calculation and reporting of tax provisions in accordance with IndAS and IFRS
• Oversee the preparation and review of tax-related disclosures for financial statements, management reports, and regulatory filings.
• Develop and maintain processes to support effective tax forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management.
• Lead the analysis of deferred tax assets and liabilities and provide strategic recommendations regarding tax planning opportunities and risks.

3.Tax Planning & Strategy

• Develop and implement tax strategies to optimize tax liabilities within the legal framework.
• Advise management on tax implications of business decisions, new investments, mergers/acquisitions, and structuring of domestic and international transactions.

4. Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Represent the company before tax authorities and appellate bodies.
• Manage ongoing tax assessments, appeals, and litigation across jurisdictions.
• Coordinate with external legal/tax advisors and counsels for effective case management.

5. Regulatory Interface & Governance

• Maintain a strong interface with tax authorities, regulatory bodies, and industry associations.
• Ensure compliance with evolving tax laws, including BEPS, GAAR, and OECD guidelines.
• Maintain updated knowledge of national and global tax developments impacting the oil & gas sector.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Educational Qualification:

  Chartered Accountant (CA) is a must; additional qualification such as LLB is a plus.

• Experience:

  Minimum 15–20 years of relevant experience, preferably in oil & gas, energy, or large manufacturing/infra sectors. At least 5 years in a leadership role.

• Domain Expertise:

• In-depth knowledge of Indian tax laws (Direct, Indirect, Transfer Pricing).
• Familiarity with international taxation and tax treaty provisions is must.
• Exposure to large-scale litigation and complex tax structures.