JOB PURPOSE:
We are looking for a Tax Specialist – Lebanon to take ownership of tax and social security compliance across HOLDAL’s Lebanese entities. This is a senior, hands-on tax role for someone who combines strong technical knowledge with sound business judgment. You will act as the internal subject-matter expert on Lebanese taxation, VAT and NSSF matters, while working closely with Finance, People Experience and business teams. You will also play a key role in managing tax and NSSF audits, advising the business on the tax implications of transactions and decisions, monitoring legislative developments, and identifying opportunities to manage tax risks and improve tax efficiency.
What You’ll Do
Tax Compliance & VAT
- Own end-to-end tax compliance across HOLDAL’s Lebanese entities, ensuring accurate and timely filings and settlements.
- Prepare and review corporate income tax, salary tax, built property tax, annual tax returns and other applicable tax declarations.
- Manage VAT compliance, including periodic declarations, reconciliations, import VAT, refunds and credits.
- Review the tax treatment of transactions and work closely with Accounting and Commercial teams to ensure appropriate application of tax regulations.
- Manage withholding tax obligations, including those related to non-resident services, royalties, management fees and cross-border transactions.
NSSF & Social Security
- Manage NSSF compliance across all Lebanese entities, including declarations, contributions and reconciliations.
- Reconcile NSSF records with payroll and the general ledger and resolve discrepancies where required.
- Coordinate NSSF registrations, updates and de-registrations in partnership with the People Experience team.
Audits & Authorities
- Lead the preparation and coordination of tax and NSSF audits and inspections.
- Act as a key point of contact with the Ministry of Finance, NSSF and other relevant authorities.
- Coordinate documentation, reconciliations, responses and follow-up throughout the audit process.
- Manage assessments, objections and settlements through to resolution, while ensuring the company’s tax positions are well supported and documented.
Advisory & Business Support
- Act as a trusted internal advisor on Lebanese tax, VAT and social security matters.
- Advise management and business teams on the tax implications of contracts, transactions, new activities and business decisions.
- Monitor changes in tax and social security legislation, circulars and rulings and translate them into clear business actions.
- Identify opportunities for legitimate tax efficiencies, incentives and exemptions in line with applicable legislation and Group policies.
Reporting, Accounting & Risk
- Provide senior management with clear updates on tax compliance, exposures, provisions, audits, disputes and regulatory developments.
- Calculate, record and reconcile tax and social security provisions, accruals and liabilities.
- Maintain accurate, complete and audit-ready tax documentation and statutory records.
- Identify and proactively manage tax and social security risks across the Group.
- Support the Finance team on tax-related analysis, financial statement reviews and other relevant projects when required.
What We’re Looking For
- 7+ years of relevant experience in Lebanese taxation and social security, ideally gained within a multi-entity organization or Group environment.
- Strong, up-to-date knowledge of Lebanese tax legislation, including corporate income tax, VAT, salary tax, withholding tax and other applicable taxes.
- Solid knowledge of NSSF regulations and compliance requirements.
- Proven experience managing tax and NSSF audits and inspections and dealing directly with the Ministry of Finance and NSSF.
- Strong accounting fundamentals and the ability to connect tax requirements with financial reporting and business operations.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional qualification such as LACPA or CPA is an advantage.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent organization and time management, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the confidence to interact with senior stakeholders, advisors and government authorities.
- Fluent in English and Arabic; French is a plus.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Experience with ERP systems is an advantage.
- High ethical standards, professional judgment and a strong sense of ownership.
