Senior Manager, Tax Controversy (Singapore / Bangkok Based, Relocation Provided)

About the role

Agoda is looking for a Senior Manager, Tax Controversy to protect the company's tax profile, manage financial and reputational risk and contribute to its influence on the evolving tax landscape. The role leads and supports global tax audits, disputes, tax authority engagement and the defence of direct and indirect tax positions across many jurisdictions, reporting to the Global Lead for Tax Controversy. It is based in Singapore or Bangkok, with relocation provided.

Key responsibilities

• Independently manage tax controversy matters such as audits, notices, refund claims, appeals and litigation, acting as lead and main contact with tax authorities, external advisors and internal stakeholders.
• Develop strategies to resolve tax disputes and manage tax risk, and interpret tax laws, regulations, treaties and case law to defend tax positions.
• Prepare, review and quality-control responses to tax authority inquiries, RFIs and audit findings, and draft arguments, legal memoranda and position papers.
• Build and maintain frameworks, playbooks, templates and documentation standards for tax audits and controversy, and drive the tax control framework.
• Standardise and automate tax processes, incorporating AI-enabled ways of working responsibly, and improve the quality and consistency of tax data and documentation.
• Work with Tax, Legal, Government Affairs, PR, Finance and business teams, monitor tax and policy developments and give technical input to policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Support the identification and communication of controversy risks, develop training materials and share lessons learned from past audits and disputes.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Law or a related field; advanced degree (JD, LLM, MST or equivalent) preferred.
• Legal training (law degree or experience as a tax lawyer) strongly preferred.
• Professional certification (CPA, Chartered Accountant or equivalent) is an advantage.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in tax controversy, audit defense or tax litigation in law firms, accounting firms or MNCs with significant Asia Pacific experience; US and European tax experience is an added advantage.
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-jurisdictional audits or disputes and to draft technical documentation.
• Proficiency in English; additional Asia Pacific languages are an advantage.

Required skills

• In-depth knowledge of tax laws, regulations and dispute resolution processes.
• Analytical, negotiation and communication skills, with advocacy skills for Tax and Finance and with external stakeholders.
• Project management and organisational skills, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

What we offer

• Relocation provided.
• Opportunity to work with a dynamic, experienced team on complex, high-profile tax matters across the Asia Pacific and globally.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.