Customs and Bonds Manager - EABL

AutoReqId 31281BR

Function Finance

Context/Scope:

EABL is the leading Drinks Company in Eastern Africa with a wide portfolio of products in various categories of beer, spirits, glass, barley, malt and other non-alcoholic drinks.  EABL is quoted in all the three East African Stock exchanges and has operations across East Africa with a turnover of over KShs 75bn (Over KShs 44bn net revenue).  The role covers all customs matters across the Group – to be based together with the Supply chain team at KBL but with travel to UBL and SBL from time to time. This role will work closely with the Procurement, Supply Chain, Customer Service and the wider EABL senior management as well as maintain a relationship with KRA, URA, TRA, Local tax advisors and other senior government tax/treasury authorities.

Dimensions: 

a) Financial: The Customs and Bonds Manager will be responsible for:

• Managing tax risks relating to imports and exports of raw materials and finished goods
• Execution, reconciliation and retirement of bonds 

b) Market Complexity: The role will cover all EABL Group Companies but with particular focus on Kenya Breweries Ltd, Uganda Breweries Ltd, UDV-Kenya Ltd, Central Glass Industries Ltd, East African Malting Ltd, Serengeti Breweries Limited and EABL International.  The Group has operations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and exports to adjacent African countries among others. Critical to any investment/expansion programmes in the wider East and Central African region greatly rely on the ability of this job to offer quality tax advise. This requires in-depth knowledge in tax legislation in all this market.

c) Leadership Responsibilities: The role will provide leadership and direction to the Customer Service, Procurement, tax team, and senior management on various Customs and Bonds issues.

Purpose of the Role:

• To set up and implement Customs and Bonds strategy in relation to all internal and external business developments

• To lead and work closely with wider EABL Supply Team in implementing various Customs and Bonds issues

Top 3-5 accountabilities:

• Manage the whole process of import duty customs bonds executed for purposes of various remissions that the Group is entitled to.

• Ensure that the import process flows smoothly and that import entries are correct.

• Manage the customs issues relating to bonded warehouse including re-warehousing and monitoring of bonded stocks and advising business as necessary.

• Ensure that the export process flows smoothly across the business.

• Resolve any customs duty audits or issues with the revenue authorities with support from the Group Tax Manager and professional advisors.

Qualifications and Experience Required:

• 1st degree in business related studies

• Fully qualified accountant (CPA-K, ACCA or it’s equivalent)

• 5 years post qualification experience within a tax function in a multinational (preferred), a tax advisory firm or Revenue Authority (Customs)

• Experience in taxation within Eastern Africa

• Application of tax knowledge to commercial agenda

• Experience in working with multi-faceted teams, ability to coach others towards achieving set goals, and influencing skills at a senior level

• Sound judgement regarding acceptable levels of tax risk

Barriers to Success in Role:

• Lack of understanding EABL’s operating structure and tax issues

• Inability to balance a diverse and complex agenda

• Lack of energy and drive as well as inability to lead or influence at senior level  

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