Indirect Tax Senior Accountant

About the Job

We are looking for a driven and passionate tax professional to join our Sanofi Finance Team in Kuala Lumpur. This is a key role in managing the Asia Indirect Tax function, ensuring compliance obligations are met while partnering with the business to provide strategic advice on indirect tax matters.

As part of the growing Tax and Statutory Reporting Team, you will play a crucial role in an exciting transformation journey. Starting in 2025, Sanofi will transition indirect tax activities from multiple countries across Asia to the Kuala Lumpur Hub. This centralization represents a unique opportunity for professional growth, exposure to diverse tax frameworks, and involvement in shaping efficient processes.

You will join a team expected to grow to approximately 8 members, focusing on delivering high-quality tax and statutory reporting services while continuously driving process improvements and embracing automation technologies. Key Responsibilities include:

Core model Implementation

• Implement and ensure alignment with the SBS core model.

• Propose and support projects aimed at aligning with the core model, transforming, and automating processes.

• Embrace a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) mindset to optimize tax operations.

Compliance

• Ensure SOX and Internal Control Framework compliance across all activities by identifying and addressing gaps in collaboration with the A2R Lead/Supervisor and Country Finance.

• Strengthen tax internal controls and governance by maintaining well-documented processes, updating manuals, and referencing key documents.

• Monitor and incorporate updates to indirect tax-related legislative changes into business processes.

• Partner with the business to provide indirect tax (GST) advice, address queries, and ensure compliance with legislative requirements.

• Support external and internal audits by coordinating with the A2R Lead/Supervisor and Country Finance and resolving issues identified during audits.

Operations

Indirect Tax Returns

• Conduct real-time reviews of indirect tax treatments for unusual transactions to ensure proper tax accounting.

• Review indirect tax postings in SAP, using RPA or manual processes, and correct errors as needed.

• Prepare, reconcile, and submit indirect tax returns, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

• Process indirect tax journals and reconcile indirect tax ledgers to maintain accurate records.

• Analyze trends in indirect tax returns and provide detailed insights.

Reporting and Risk Management:

• Extract and consolidate tax data from SAP and other sources for reporting purposes.

• Assist with tax audits by providing required documentation, reconciliations, and calculations.

Tax Audit Management

• Provide copies of relevant tax returns, reconciliations, detailed tax calculations, and supporting documentation required by local tax authorities.

Monthly Balance Sheet Reconciliation

• Prepare and maintain monthly reconciliations for tax-related general ledger (GL) accounts.

• Ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies promptly, adhering to internal controls.

Continuous improvement

• Support the A2R Lead in monitoring performance against SLAs and implement corrective actions when necessary.

• Identify opportunities for improvement across processes and technologies, including ERP systems and automation tools.

• Drive customer satisfaction initiatives and regularly assess service satisfaction among Country Finance teams.

About You

Essential Skills and Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in taxation, particularly indirect tax compliance and advisory.

• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking, especially for reconciliations and error identification.

• Proficiency in MS Excel, including advanced features for data analysis and reconciliation.

• Experience with SAP or equivalent ERP systems is required for managing tax data, reconciliations, and journal entries.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Mandarin.

• Proven ability to succeed in a multinational environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Commercial mindset with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience in customer-facing, service-oriented corporate roles.

• Background in a Finance Shared Services environment, either captive (in-house) or BPO.

• Familiarity with automation tools and technologies, including RPA or similar systems.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree/Professional Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or equivalent.

• Qualification in CITM is an added advantage.

Why Join Us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Sanofi's growing Tax and Statutory Reporting Team. By joining us, you will:

• Be part of an exciting transformation journey centralizing tax activities for the Asia region.

• Gain exposure to diverse tax frameworks and regulations from multiple countries.

• Collaborate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment focused on continuous learning and professional development.

• Drive process improvement and innovation in partnership with a motivated and supportive team.