Senior Tax Accountant - Construction and Projects

Job Description: Senior Tax Accountant - Construction & Projects

Location: Lagos

Department: Finance & Accounting

Reports to: Head of Finance or Financial Controller

Position Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Senior Tax Accountant to join our finance team. This role is critical for managing the complex tax and financial reporting landscape within our construction and project-based operations. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in tax compliance, strategic planning, and project accounting principles. You will be responsible for ensuring accurate tax filings, optimizing our tax position, and delivering precise financial reporting for multiple concurrent projects. If you are a proactive professional with 5-7 years of experience in a similar project-driven environment, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities: Tax Compliance & Strategy

• Prepare and file timely, accurate federal, state, and local tax returns (CIT, VAT, WHT, PAYE) specific to construction contracts and project operations.
• Develop and implement tax strategies to minimize liabilities and ensure compliance within the construction/project sector.
• Manage relationships with external tax advisors and regulatory bodies (FIRS, State IRS).
• Stay abreast of changes in tax legislation affecting the construction industry and advise management on implications.
• Lead tax audits and respond to inquiries from tax authorities.

Project Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Oversee project-based accounting, including revenue recognition (e.g., percentage-of-completion method), cost allocation, and profitability analysis.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for management and stakeholders, ensuring they accurately reflect project status.
• Perform detailed reconciliations of project accounts, work-in-progress (WIP), and contract liabilities/assets.
• Analyze project financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for cost savings or efficiency improvements.

Internal Control & Process Improvement

• Design, document, and enforce robust internal controls around project accounting and tax processes.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, IFRS, and relevant accounting standards for construction contracts.
• Streamline tax and financial reporting workflows to enhance accuracy and efficiency across multiple projects.
• Collaborate with project managers and operational teams to ensure accurate financial data capture from site to ledger.

Cross-functional Collaboration & Advisory

• Serve as the primary tax and financial reporting advisor to project teams and senior management.
• Train and mentor junior accounting staff on project accounting and tax-related matters.
• Partner with the procurement and legal teams to review contracts for tax and financial reporting implications.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional accounting qualification: ACA, ACCA, or CTA.
• 5-7 years of progressive experience in accounting with a strong focus on taxation, preferably within the construction, engineering, real estate development, or major project environment.
• In-depth knowledge of Nigerian tax laws (CITA, VAT Act, PPTA, etc.) and their application to long-term contracts.
• Proven experience with project accounting and revenue recognition methods (IFRS 15).
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage, QuickBooks, SAP) and Microsoft Excel.

Preferred

• Experience with ERP systems configured for project management.
• Master’s degree in Taxation, Accounting, or Business Administration.
• Prior experience in a Big 4 or mid-tier accounting firm's tax/audit practice with construction clients.

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