Optiven Group, a leading brand in the real estate and investment sector, is currently seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Tax Accountant to join our Finance & Accounting Department at the Global Office in Karen. As a company deeply rooted in excellence and innovation, we are committed to transforming lives through property development, strategic investment, and community empowerment. The selected candidate will become part of a team dedicated to upholding financial integrity and compliance while driving tax efficiency in investment operations.
About the Role
The Tax Accountant will play a pivotal role in ensuring fiscal compliance, enhancing operational efficiency, and aligning investment execution with tax regulations. The ideal candidate will be tasked with overseeing various aspects of taxation within the organization, including statutory compliance, investment structuring, payroll tax administration, and accurate reporting.
This role is best suited for professionals with a strong foundation in tax accounting, exceptional analytical skills, and a proactive approach to aligning tax obligations with strategic investment goals. Reporting to the Finance Manager, the Tax Accountant will support inter-departmental initiatives, especially in investment planning, legal structuring, and regulatory compliance.
Position Details
- Job Title: Tax Accountant
- Vacancies: 1 (One)
- Company: Optiven Group
- Department: Finance & Accounting
- Location: Global Office – Karen
- Gross Salary: KES 110,000 – 130,000
- Application Email: [email protected]
- Application Deadline: 15th July 2025
Job Purpose
The Tax Accountant will be responsible for managing and supporting all tax-related functions within Optiven Group. This includes ensuring timely compliance with statutory tax obligations, structuring tax-efficient investment deals, administering payroll tax, and supporting the digitization of financial reporting. The role demands a deep understanding of Kenyan tax laws and real estate investments, enabling the company to remain compliant while maximizing fiscal advantages.
Detailed Job Description
1. Investment Management
- Assess the tax implications of various real estate investment activities including land acquisition, development, and disposal.
- Provide advisory support in structuring tax-efficient land purchases, development projects, and divestments.
- Collaborate with Legal, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure tax considerations are integrated into acquisition and joint venture strategies.
- Apply tax optimization strategies to improve investment feasibility and post-tax profitability.
- Review capital expenditures, asset classifications, and revenue reporting to align with long-term tax planning objectives.
- Monitor and interpret fiscal policy changes that may impact real estate transactions, such as exemptions and incentives.
- Support pre-investment due diligence to identify tax risks and opportunities.
- Recommend and implement internal controls to strengthen governance around tax matters.
- Participate in organization-wide tax planning initiatives aimed at reducing the effective tax rate (ETR) and improving cash flow during investment cycles.
2. Statutory Compliance
- Prepare, review, and ensure timely submission of all statutory tax returns, including but not limited to:
- VAT
- Income Tax
- PAYE
- Withholding Tax
- Excise Duty
- Manage the preparation, filing, and payment of all land-related statutory dues, including County and National Government obligations such as land rents, leases, and related fees.
- Maintain up-to-date compliance trackers and raise early alerts in cases of potential non-compliance.
- Liaise with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), County Government offices, and external consultants to address disputes and implement resolutions.
- Stay informed of evolving local and international tax legislation to ensure timely adaptations to compliance strategies.
3. Payroll Tax Administration
- Coordinate with Human Resources and Payroll teams to ensure accurate calculation and remittance of payroll-related taxes and levies, including:
- PAYE
- NHIF
- NSSF
- Housing Levy
- Oversee year-end payroll tax filings and ensure proper documentation of all returns and remittances.
- Ensure tax compliance for all employee benefits, including gratuities, allowances, and non-cash compensations.
- Review payroll tax codes and ensure all entries reflect accurate statutory positioning and compliance with labor and tax laws.
4. Reporting and Documentation
- Assist in the monthly and annual financial close processes by preparing detailed tax schedules and reconciliations.
- Maintain well-structured and audit-ready documentation to support internal audits, external audits, and regulatory reviews.
- Contribute to ongoing tax risk assessments and scenario planning to guide executive decision-making.
- Drive improvements in tax reporting systems through digitization and automation of compliance workflows and dashboards.
- Support all other tax-related activities as assigned by management.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
- CPA certification or equivalent professional qualification is mandatory.
- At least six (6) years of professional experience, with a minimum of three (3) years in direct corporate tax and compliance roles.
- Experience in the real estate, investment, or financial advisory sectors is highly desirable.
Key Competency Areas
- Deep understanding of Kenyan tax laws and statutory compliance requirements.
- Precision and attention to detail in financial computations and tax filing.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in interpreting tax regulations and applying them to dynamic business scenarios.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in managing sensitive financial data.
- Excellent documentation and reporting capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively and meet strict reporting deadlines.
- Capacity to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced work environment.
Why Join Optiven Group
Working at Optiven Group means becoming part of a mission-driven organization that not only transforms the real estate landscape in Kenya but also empowers communities through strategic investment and job creation. Our team thrives on innovation, accountability, and purpose-driven action. By joining the Finance & Accounting Department, you will play a crucial role in sustaining the company’s growth, compliance culture, and financial strength.
This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in taxation while gaining exposure to large-scale real estate investment operations and multi-sectoral collaboration.
Important Application Information
- How to Apply: Send your application and detailed CV to [email protected]
- Application Deadline: 15th July 2025
- Review Process: Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.
- Fee Policy: Optiven Group does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Shortlisting: Only candidates shortlisted for interviews will be contacted due to the high volume of applications.
- Canvassing: Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Consent: By submitting an application, candidates give consent for background checks relevant to the position.
If you are an experienced tax professional ready to take your career to the next level in a vibrant and rewarding environment, Optiven Group invites you to apply for this exciting role. Contribute to our journey of transformation and fiscal excellence — we look forward to hearing from you.
