Head of Tax

We are seeking an accomplished and proactive Head of Tax to lead and oversee the company’s tax function. In this role, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of taxation across the group, ensuring compliance with the myriad tax regimes in our different markets, and creating strategies that compliantly optimise our tax position as we continue to scale.

We are looking for someone who will own the tax function end to end, demonstrating deep technical expertise across multiple jurisdictions in Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, coupled with a strong commercial mindset. You will be expected to anticipate, understand, and guide the business on all tax-related matters, working closely with our finance, legal, and corporate secretarial teams.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Tax Compliance & Governance

• Working with the business and local tax advisors and accountants, oversee and ensure compliant, accurate and timely tax related filings for all group companies across multiple jurisdictions.
• Proactively monitor legislative changes across African markets and beyond, advising on impacts and opportunities for the business.

Operational Responsibilities

• Manage local and cross-border tax considerations for intercompany and external transactions, including WHT and VAT matters.  
• Lead discussions and negotiations with revenue authorities across our operating markets, ensuring an effective and professional representation of pawaPay’s interests.
• Work with finance and legal teams to structure transactions, contracts, and intercompany arrangements in a tax-efficient manner.

Tax Strategy & Structure

• Develop and implement a group-wide tax strategy to optimise pawaPay’s position while staying within the bounds of legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead tax modelling initiatives to forecast the impact of new deals, market entries, or corporate structuring changes.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to provide strategic input on business expansion plans and other corporate transactions.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Build, mentor, and lead a small tax team (initially one direct report, with plans to expand as the function grows).
• Maintain strong collaborative ties with the finance and corporate secretarial teams, ensuring alignment on tax treatment, compliance calendars, and internal reporting.
• Manage relationships with external tax advisors, ensuring the business receives top-tier expertise and guidance.

Tax Operations & Administration

• Champion and maintain an organized database of tax filings, documentation, and advice, ensuring clear audit trails and version control.
• Oversee the deployment of technology or tools that help automate and streamline tax reporting and compliance tasks.
• Provide clear updates and reporting to senior management and the board on tax status, risks, and opportunities.

What is required of the ideal candidate?

• Extensive tax experience in multinational or multi-entity groups, preferably in fintech or a fast-growing technology environment.
• Deep knowledge of tax regimes in Sub-Saharan Africa (withholding tax, corporation tax, indirect tax, etc.), and familiarity with broader international tax principles including transfer pricing.
• Proven track record in tax compliance, advisory, and strategy, with demonstrable success in managing complex cross-border obligations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct tax modelling and interpret financial data to advise on optimal structures.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, including experience dealing with revenue authorities and senior stakeholders.
• Leadership and team management capabilities, with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop a growing team.
• A commercial mindset, able to balance the need for compliance and risk mitigation with achieving broader business objectives.
• Comfortable working remotely, managing responsibilities with a high degree of autonomy, and willing to travel as necessary.
• Superior organisational skills and motivation for continual improvement personally and within the function.