Excise and Litigation Manager

UAE Excise Tax & Litigation Manager Role OverviewThe Excise Tax & Litigation Manager will be responsible for managing complex UAE Excise Tax matters, with a particular focus on FTA audits, tax disputes, reconsiderations, TDRC proceedings and court litigation. The role requires strong technical knowledge of UAE Excise Tax and Tax Procedures legislation, combined with practical experience managing tax controversy and interactions with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) & relevant authorities.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide technical advice on UAE Excise Tax legislation, regulations and FTA guidance, including complex or contentious matters.Lead and manage FTA Excise Tax audits and inspections, including responses to information requests, technical discussions and audit defence strategies.Review and challenge FTA assessments, penalties and decisions, identifying appropriate technical and procedural grounds.Manage the full tax dispute lifecycle, including reconsideration applications, Tax Disputes Resolution Committee (TDRC) proceedings and subsequent appeals.Manage tax litigation before the UAE Courts, working closely with external legal counsel on case strategy, submissions and supporting evidence.Prepare and review technical submissions, position papers, FTA correspondence, reconsideration applications and TDRC/court materials.Ensure compliance with all relevant procedural requirements, statutory deadlines and limitation periods.Advise on key Excise Tax matters, including registration, classification of excise goods, excise prices, designated zones, warehousing, imports, production and compliance obligations.Assess Excise Tax exposures and develop appropriate risk mitigation, remediation and dispute strategies.Monitor developments in UAE tax legislation, FTA practices, TDRC decisions and court judgments and assess their impact on the business.Coordinate with internal stakeholders, the FTA, external tax advisers and legal counsel on audits and disputes.Maintain effective reporting and governance over the Excise Tax controversy portfolio, including financial exposure, case status and key deadlines.Experience & CompetenciesSignificant experience & technical knowledge of UAE Excise Tax and the UAE Tax Procedures framework.Demonstrable experience managing FTA audits, tax assessments, penalties and complex tax disputes.Hands-on experience with reconsiderations, TDRC proceedings and UAE tax litigation.Strong drafting, analytical, communication and stakeholder-management skills.Ability to develop robust technical positions and manage complex, high-value and time-sensitive disputes.Professional qualification or relevant background in tax, accounting or law preferred.