Senior Associate - Transfer Pricing

Location: Dubai, UAE
Experience: 3–6 years
Employment Type: Full-time

Preference will be given to candidates who have shown consistency and long-term engagement in their previous employment, with an average tenure of three years or more per role.

Urgent Requirement - Immediate Joining

Job Summary

As a Senior Associate in Transfer Pricing, you will play a pivotal role in our tax service team by delivering accurate and timely support on transfer pricing and related tax matters. Working under the guidance of an (Assistant) Manager and/or director, you will prepare detailed economic analyses, transfer pricing documentation, and advisory reports to ensure clients’ intercompany transactions comply with UAE regulations and international standards. This role is client-facing and collaborative – you’ll strengthen client relationships through quality service while contributing to the team’s knowledge base and process improvements. Although you operate within established policies and under supervision for complex issues, you are expected to take initiative in daily tasks and exercise sound judgment in line with firm guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support in advising clients on their transfer pricing position in the UAE and GCC, ensuring compliance with local tax laws and alignment with international guidelines.
• Conduct functional and economic analyses (including proven capability in undertaking benchmarking analysis using various databases for a variety of transactions/ industries including financial services transactions) for intercompany transactions. Prepare comprehensive transfer pricing documentation such as Local Files and Master Files to substantiate clients’ pricing policies in accordance with UAE regulations and OECD standards.
• Assist in Country-by-Country Reporting (CbCR) preparation and compliance.
• Draft well-supported requests for rulings or agreement or clarifications from tax authorities on transfer pricing and related tax issues. Demonstrate persuasive reasoning and use supporting documentation to advocate for clients’ positions effectively.
• Assist in preparing transfer pricing disclosures and related documentation for corporate tax returns and other compliance filings. Ensure all required data (e.g. related-party transaction details) is accurately compiled and submitted within deadlines.
• Coordinate project timelines and deliverables by maintaining work plans and document trackers. Monitor progress to ensure tasks are completed on schedule and meet quality standards; proactively address or escalate any issues to the manager to keep engagements on track.
• Participate in internal review meetings with (Assistant) Managers and director and other senior team members to discuss analysis and deliverables. Incorporate feedback and required changes from these reviews to improve the quality and accuracy of client deliverables.
• Work closely with colleagues across departments and support junior team members on engagements. Provide guidance, share knowledge, and review juniors’ work where appropriate to foster their development and ensure high standards of work.
• Stay updated on changes in transfer pricing regulations, tax laws, and relevant accounting standards (e.g. new UAE tax rules, OECD guidelines, IFRS updates). Apply this knowledge to client work and share insights with the team to enhance our tax services.
• Adhere to the firm’s standard processes and use of technology tools for tax and transfer pricing projects. Contribute ideas and feedback to streamline workflows, improve analysis methods, and enhance overall team efficiency and service quality.
   

Working Environment, Contacts and Decision Making

Working Environment:

• Join a diverse, multinational team passionate about delivering excellence and innovation in our industry.
• Cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, driving innovation and growth.
• Rapidly adapt to and integrate new technology tools to enhance our competitive edge and operational efficiency.
• Benefit from the latest technology and software tools necessary for your role, including company laptops, cloud-based collaboration platforms, and specialized software. Comprehensive IT support and training are provided to ensure your success.
• Leverage extensive training programs, mentorship opportunities, and support for professional certifications to grow professionally.
• An approach centered on adding value to our clients.
• Flexibility to adjust working hours based on the needs of the project, subject to pre-agreement with the supervisor. This flexibility aims to ensure both the efficient progress of projects and the work-life balance of our team members.

Contacts:

• Internal: All Departments
• External: Clients, Government Authorities

Job / Person Specifications

Qualifications and Knowledge: 

• Professional accountancy qualification such as CA, CPA, ACCA, or any equivalent certification from the candidate’s country of origin is preferred
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree, preferably in tax law, is required.
• Be able to explain complex tax and IFRS concepts in a concise and straightforward manner, as well as in an academic setting (depending on the situation).
• Background in tax advisory service within a professional services environment; preference will be given to candidates with experience at Top 5 global accounting or auditing firms.
• Solid understanding of tax principles and transfer pricing regulations. Familiarity with UAE corporate tax law and transfer pricing requirements is expected, and knowledge of international frameworks (OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines, EU tax directives, etc.) is a plus.
• Working knowledge of UAE tax regulations; familiarity with EU tax frameworks or the tax regime of the candidate’s home jurisdiction is also valued.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel for financial modeling and analysis. Experience with data analysis or visualization tools (e.g. Power BI) is an advantage, helping to effectively interpret and present financial/tax data.
• Excellent English communication skills in both speaking and writing are essential; proficiency in Arabic is a plus.
• Commercially driven and skilled at communicating with clients and colleagues.

Competencies:

Strong analytical skills, tax regulatory knowledge, effective time management, clear professional communication, proactive problem solving.

Experience:

• 3–6 years of experience in tax advisory or transfer pricing roles, preferably gained at a Big 4 accounting firm or a top-tier law/consulting firm. Your background should demonstrate progressive responsibility in handling tax or transfer pricing projects and client engagements.
• Hands-on experience with tax compliance processes. This includes preparing and filing tax returns or disclosures (for example, VAT and corporate tax returns) and using e-filing systems such as the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) portal or similar platforms in other jurisdictions.
• Legal and academic writing experience, including the preparation of opinion memorandums, dispute and appeal letters to government organizations.
• Hands-on experience in preparing the transfer pricing documentation and studies.
• Hands-on experience in preparing and filing VAT and Corporate Tax returns, including using the UAE FTA portal or equivalent tax authority systems.
• Experience coordinating client deliverables in a professional services setting.
•  Working knowledge of UAE FTA tax regulations (VAT, Corporate Tax, Excise Tax); in the absence of UAE experience, familiarity with other jurisdictional tax frameworks and the ability to quickly adapt to UAE requirements along with necessary FTA accredited education / diplomas is essential.