VAT Specialist

Role Overview Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a VAT Specialist in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to manage the company's Value Added Tax compliance and reporting obligations. This role focuses on ensuring accurate tax treatment for refining operations, bullion sales, and procurement activities in line with ZATCA regulations. The specialist will handle the complexities of VAT on precious metals, including reverse charge mechanisms and export zero-rating, to safeguard the company's tax position. The VAT Specialist will report directly to the Finance Manager and will play a key role in maintaining robust tax controls and optimizing cash flow through efficient refund management. This position requires a proactive approach to regulatory changes and close collaboration with operational teams to ensure seamless tax integration in business processes. Key Responsibilities The VAT Specialist will be responsible for the following key areas of tax compliance and financial control. VAT Return Filing The role prepares and submits accurate monthly and quarterly VAT returns to ZATCA, ensuring full compliance with statutory deadlines and regulatory requirements. Input Tax Validation This position validates all input tax credit claims against valid tax invoices and ensures that only eligible expenses are claimed for deduction. Sales Tax Analysis The specialist analyzes sales transactions to correctly apply zero-rating for exports and exempt status for investment gold, preventing misclassification risks. E-Invoicing Compliance The role monitors the generation of electronic invoices to ensure they meet ZATCA Phase 2 technical standards and resolves any integration errors with IT support. Audit Management This position prepares detailed audit files and responds to ZATCA inquiries or external auditor requests with precise documentation and timely explanations. Reconciliation Control The specialist reconciles the VAT control account in the General Ledger with filed returns and bank statements to identify and correct discrepancies monthly. Process Improvement The role identifies inefficiencies in the current tax workflow and implements automation or procedural changes to reduce manual effort and error rates. Stakeholder Advisory This position advises the Procurement and Sales departments on the VAT implications of new contracts and customer classifications to ensure upfront compliance. Refund Processing The specialist manages the submission and follow-up of VAT refund claims with ZATCA to optimize the company's working capital and cash flow position. Regulatory Monitoring The role tracks updates to Saudi tax laws and ZATCA guidelines, assessing their impact on SGR's operations and updating internal policies accordingly. Success Metrics 100% on-time submission of VAT returns with zero penalties. Zero adjustments or fines resulting from ZATCA audits or reviews. Monthly VAT reconciliation completed within 5 working days of month-end. Successful clearance of pending VAT refund claims within targeted timelines. 100% compliance with ZATCA Phase 2 e-invoicing technical requirements. Reduction in manual tax adjustment entries by 20% year-over-year. Positive feedback from internal stakeholders on tax advisory support quality. Equal Opportunity Statement: Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.

Desired Candidate Profile

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Law from a recognized university. Minimum of 5 years of VAT compliance experience, with at least 3 years in Saudi Arabia. In-depth knowledge of Saudi VAT Law, Implementing Regulations, and ZATCA guidelines. Proven experience with ZATCA GAZT portal for filing returns and managing tax disputes. Strong proficiency in Excel for data analysis, reconciliation, and reporting. Experience in handling VAT for industrial, manufacturing, or trading companies. Fluency in English is required, with professional proficiency in Arabic preferred. Ability to work under pressure and meet strict statutory deadlines consistently. Preferred / Nice-to-have Experience in the mining, refining, or precious metals industry. SOCPA membership or equivalent professional accounting qualification. Experience with SAP S/4HANA or Oracle ERP systems. Knowledge of customs duties and their interaction with VAT. Certified Tax Agent registration with ZATCA.