Team Lead, TAX, Malaysia

Publicis Groupe · Kuala Lumpur

Company description

Company Description:

Publicis Re:Sources is the backbone of Publicis Groupe, the world’s most valuable agency group. We are the only full-service, end-to-end shared service organization in the industry, enabling Groupe agencies to do what they do best: innovate and transform for their clients.

Formed in 1998 as a small team to service a few Publicis Groupe firms, Publicis Re:Sources has grown to 5,000+ employees in over 66 countries. We provide technology solutions and business services including finance, accounting, legal, benefits, procurement, tax, real estate, treasury and risk management.

We continually transform to keep pace with our ever-changing communications industry and thrive on a spirit of innovation felt around the globe. Learn more about Publicis Re:Sources and the Publicis Groupe agencies we support at.

Website: https://www.publicisresources.com

Overview

Objective

The Supervisor, Taxation is responsible for independently managing day-to-day tax compliance and advisory activities covering Singapore and Malaysia. For Malaysia, this includes corporate income tax (CIT), Sales and Service Tax (SST), Goods and Services Tax (GST). withholding tax (WHT), stamp duty and transfer pricing for the Singapore and Malaysia entities. This role reports to the SG Tax Manager and ensures full compliance with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN), and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD). The Supervisor is expected to work independently on routine tax compliance returns, daily tax queries for both jurisdictions, conduct research to confirm tax positions, and escalate complex matters to management.

Responsibilities

Tax Compliance & Reporting

Malaysia:

Prepare Malaysian CIT computations, returns, and supporting schedules.
Handle SST compliance including preparation, , reconciliation, and filing of SST returns.
Prepare withholding tax calculations and filings for cross-border payments.
Support transfer pricing compliance including Local File preparation and intercompany documentation.
Ensure timely and accurate submission of all tax filings and payments in accordance with Malaysian statutory deadlines.
Coordinate tax authority enquiries, audits and information requests, including gathering and validating supporting documentation, maintaining an audit trail, tracking response deadlines, drafting replies and escalating contentious or high-risk matters to the SG Tax Manager.
Monitor changes in Malaysian tax regulations and advise the company on necessary adjustments.

Singapore:

Support the SG Tax Manager in preparing Singapore CIT computations, Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI), and Form C-S/C filings.
Assist in GST compliance including preparation, reconciliation, and filing of quarterly GST returns (F5/F7).
Prepare Singapore withholding tax calculations (S45) for cross-border payments and ensure timely filing with IRAS.
Support Stamp Duty compliance for relevant transactions.
Assist in Singapore transfer pricing documentation and Local File preparation in accordance with IRAS TP guidelines.
Coordinate tax authority enquiries, audits and information requests, including gathering and validating supporting documentation, maintaining an audit trail, tracking response deadlines, drafting replies and escalating contentious or high-risk matters to the SG Tax Manager.
Monitor changes in Singapore tax regulations and flag relevant updates to the SG Tax Manager.

Tax Reporting & Advisory

Compile and analyse financial and operational data required for tax reporting and audits (ETR, deferred taxes) for both Singapore and Malaysia entities.
Independently handle daily tax queries from agencies regarding Malaysia; support SG Tax Manager on Singapore tax queries.
Conduct tax research and confirm tax positions by research or consultation with tax authorities (IRAS and LHDN) to help the business minimise tax costs.
Assist in tax provisioning and reconciliation between tax and financial statements for both Singapore and Malaysia entities.
Identify potential tax risks and escalate issues to the SG Tax Manager.
Identify tax saving opportunities and assist in preparing tax planning memos for both jurisdictions.

Business Compliance & Governance

Monitor compliance requirements of the Groupe for Singapore and Malaysia regarding internal audit, internal controls, and external authorities. Spot non-compliance issues and report to manager on a timely basis.
Ensure a sound understanding of, and compliance with, all Publicis Groupe Policies (Janus) relevant to the role and all activities undertaken in that role.

Qualifications

Academic and Training Requirements

Formal Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Tax, or related field.

Work Experience

At least 5–7 years of actual working experience in Malaysia taxation with accounting firm(s) or in-house.
Practical experience in Malaysia CIT, SST, stamp duty and transfer pricing compliance.
Exposure to Singapore taxation (CIT, GST, WHT, Stamp Duty) is a strong plus.
In-house tax experience with a reputable multinational company is a plus.
Experience with the Media & Advertising industry is an added advantage.

Languages

English — proficient (spoken and written); primary working language for Singapore matters
Bahasa Malaysia — proficient

Technical skills

Deep knowledge of Malaysian tax regulations, including CIT, SST, WHT, and transfer pricing.
Working knowledge of Singapore tax regulations, including CIT, GST, WHT, Stamp Duty, and transfer pricing; or willingness to develop SG tax expertise with guidance from SG Tax Manager.
Practical experience with LHDN and Royal Malaysian Customs Department processes.
Familiarity with IRAS processes and e-filing systems is a plus.
Ability to prepare tax computations, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
Sound accounting knowledge.

Soft skills

Proactiveness and passion in work with logical thinking.
Results orientation and analytical thinking.
Ability to work independently and cope with work pressure.
Good communication skills and team player.
Willingness to learn and self-study on tax technical matters.

Tools specific knowledge

Working knowledge of ERP packages (e.g., Oracle) and MS Office

Additional information

Preferred: AI-Related Exposure

Demonstrates a proactive and pragmatic approach to leveraging AI and automation tools to improve tax processes, with a focus on actively identifying practical use cases and efficiency gains.