Optiven Group, a leading real estate and investment company committed to transforming lives through value-driven real estate solutions, is pleased to announce a new vacancy for a Tax Accountant. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to join our dynamic Finance & Accounting Department based at our Global Office in Karen.
At Optiven, we prioritize integrity, excellence, and innovation in all that we do. Our operations are guided by our mission to economically and socially empower communities while creating sustainable wealth for stakeholders. As our investment portfolio continues to grow, we are seeking a dedicated Tax Accountant to play a pivotal role in ensuring that our operations remain fiscally compliant, strategically optimized, and aligned with the evolving regulatory landscape in Kenya and beyond.
Position: Tax Accountant
Vacancy: 1 (One)
Department: Finance & Accounting
Location: Global Office – Karen
Gross Salary: KES 110,000 – 130,000
Application Deadline: 15th August 2025
Application Method: Via email to [email protected]
Job Purpose Statement
The Tax Accountant will support the organization’s tax function to ensure timely and accurate compliance with statutory obligations, enhance operational efficiency, and implement tax-aligned investment strategies. This role integrates technical tax expertise, investment knowledge, and collaborative coordination across departments to ensure that all facets of the business are strategically structured and compliant from a tax perspective.
The ideal candidate will provide key tax advisory on real estate investments, guide statutory compliance processes, and support payroll and internal controls to optimize tax positioning across the organization. The role also requires involvement in digitizing tax workflows and maintaining audit-ready documentation.
Detailed Job Description
1. Investment Management
The successful candidate will be central in ensuring that real estate investment activities are structured to optimize tax efficiency. Specific responsibilities will include:
- Evaluating and monitoring the tax implications of various real estate investment activities, such as land banking, property development, and asset disposals.
- Supporting the structuring of tax-efficient land acquisitions and investment exits to maximize post-tax returns.
- Collaborating with Legal, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure tax-aligned execution in property acquisitions, joint ventures, and project development efforts.
- Integrating tax optimization strategies into investment planning to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.
- Analyzing capital expenditure, asset classification, and revenue treatment to support long-term investment objectives from a tax perspective.
- Keeping abreast of tax incentives, exemptions, and fiscal policies that could impact project feasibility, investment structuring, and profitability.
- Contributing to due diligence exercises by identifying potential tax exposures and opportunities before finalizing any investment.
- Supporting internal control reviews relating to tax functions and recommending improvements aligned with governance and audit standards.
- Participating in tax planning initiatives aimed at optimizing cash flows and reducing the effective tax rate across various investment cycles.
2. Statutory Compliance
A critical aspect of the role is ensuring full compliance with both national and county tax laws and regulations. Key duties under this function include:
- Preparing, reviewing, and ensuring the timely submission of all statutory tax returns including, but not limited to, VAT, Income Tax, PAYE, Withholding Tax, and Excise Duty.
- Managing the preparation, submission, and payment of all land-related statutory obligations, such as land rents and lease payments required by county and national governments.
- Maintaining a comprehensive tax compliance tracker to monitor submission schedules and raise early alerts on any risk of non-compliance.
- Coordinating with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), county governments, and external consultants to address tax, land rent, and land rate issues, as well as to implement advisory guidance and rulings.
- Monitoring changes in tax legislation and regulations locally and internationally, ensuring that Optiven Group is adaptable and consistently compliant.
3. Payroll Administration
As a key liaison between HR and Finance departments, the Tax Accountant will oversee the tax aspects of payroll administration. Responsibilities in this domain include:
- Coordinating with HR and Payroll teams to ensure accurate calculation and timely remittance of payroll taxes including PAYE, NHIF, NSSF, and the Housing Levy.
- Supporting year-end payroll tax reporting and fulfillment of compliance obligations.
- Ensuring compliance with tax laws concerning employee benefits such as gratuities, allowances, and non-cash compensation.
- Validating payroll tax codes, ledger entries, and reconciliations to ensure ongoing accuracy and full compliance with statutory requirements.
4. Reporting and Documentation
Accurate record-keeping and audit readiness are key requirements for this role. The Tax Accountant will undertake the following responsibilities:
- Assisting in the preparation of tax schedules, reconciliations, and financial disclosures during monthly and year-end financial reporting processes.
- Maintaining systematic, well-organized tax documentation in readiness for internal, external, or regulatory audits.
- Contributing to the organization’s tax risk assessments, scenario analyses, and planning strategies to enhance strategic decision-making.
- Supporting the digitization and automation of tax documentation, reporting processes, and compliance dashboards for improved efficiency and transparency.
5. Additional Responsibilities
- Performing other related tasks as may be assigned by the Head of Finance or senior management.
- Ensuring the continuous improvement of tax processes in line with evolving best practices in finance and taxation.
- Proactively identifying opportunities to improve internal tax practices and contributing to the development of tax strategies that align with business objectives.
Qualification and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- CPA-K or equivalent professional certification.
- A minimum of 6 years’ experience in accounting or finance, with at least 3 years dedicated to corporate tax and compliance.
- Prior experience in real estate, investment, or advisory services is highly preferred.
Competency Requirements
- Comprehensive knowledge of Kenyan tax laws, regulations, and compliance procedures.
- Exceptional attention to detail, with high standards of accuracy and precision.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities.
- Advanced problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach.
- Ability to interpret complex tax legislation and apply it effectively in a business context.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
- High proficiency in financial reporting and documentation.
- Demonstrated teamwork orientation and ability to work under tight deadlines.
- Effective time management and organizational skills.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
Application Details
Interested candidates who meet the qualifications and experience requirements are encouraged to submit their application via email to:
Application Deadline: 15th August 2025
Shortlisting: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.
Recruitment Fees: Optiven Group does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Communication: Due to high volumes of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Canvassing: Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
Background Checks: By applying, you consent to necessary background verification processes.
Equal Opportunity: Optiven Group is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.
This role presents a remarkable opportunity for a skilled Tax Accountant to contribute to the growth and success of a mission-driven organization that is transforming Kenya’s real estate sector. If you are looking to take your tax career to the next level with a reputable and progressive company, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
We look forward to welcoming a dedicated professional to the Optiven family.
