Accounting Associate

About the Role

We are looking to add a skilled tax accountant within the Indirect Tax CoE (Centre of Excellence) based in Bangalore, India. This role is responsible for managing EMEA VAT compliance processes, leveraging technology platforms such as Vertex/Avalara to ensure accurate filings, data integrity, and payment workflows. The Accountant will bring deep multi-jurisdictional tax knowledge, audit compliance expertise, and a proactive approach to process improvement and automation.

The indirect tax CoE will be responsible for the periodical indirect tax compliance for Global regions. This team will be responsible to extract and interpret the tax data from our systems to enable informed business decisions, perform return filing and reconciling with the books of accounts on the Tax positions. Our focus is on improving our tax processes by using technology, which increases our responsibility for monitoring the completeness and accuracy in our indirect tax systems, striving for full tax automation, and driving the vision for improved and efficient tax compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare EU VAT returns, EC Sales List, Intrastat, and other indirect tax filings across multiple jurisdictions.
• Prepare VAT related General ledger accounts ensuring correct balance sheet positions and approve related reconciliations.
• Monitor regulatory developments across the EU and proactively translate changes into business processes and controls.
• Maintain and enhance internal control framework (SOX/Internal).
• Identify and implement automation, data quality improvements, and system enhancements using ERP, tax engines, and BI tools.
• Track, analyze, and report compliance KPIs, operational metrics, and risk indicators to senior leadership.
• Front-end set up of Indirect tax landscape for new entities.
• Leverage technology to streamline and automate tax calculations, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
• Participate in special projects and ad-hoc tasks as required by the indirect tax team.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Degree in finance, accounting, tax, or related field.
• Core experience with Global VAT and Indirect tax accounting.
• Working knowledge of Avalara, Vertex, GVRT is preferred.
• Robust knowledge of MS Excel, Power BI/ Tableau/ Alteryx.
• Ability to analyze large data volumes to identify key insights.
• Strong English written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-driven with a critical and positive 'can-do' attitude.
• Comfortable collaborating with various subject matter experts.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with minimal supervision.

Skills Desired (Working Knowledge Level)

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools, and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs.
• Relationship Building: Knowledge of the importance of creating positive relationships within the team and ability to develop trusting relationships.
• Business Acumen: Knowledge of business concepts, tools, and processes that are needed for making sound decisions in the context of the company's business.

Skills Desired (Basic Understanding Level)

• Data Gathering & Analysis: Knowledge of data gathering and analysis tools, techniques, and processes.
• Financial Analysis: Knowledge of tools and approaches of financial analysis.
• Financial Reporting: Knowledge of processes, methods, and tools of financial reporting.

What You Will Get

• Work Life Harmony
• Earned and medical leave.
• Relocation assistance.
• Holistic Development
• Personal and professional development through Caterpillar’s employee resource groups across the globe.
• Career development opportunities with global prospects.
• Health and Wellness
• Medical coverage - Medical, life, and personal accident coverage.
• Employee mental wellness assistance program.
• Financial Wellness
• Employee investment plan.
• Pay for performance - Annual incentive Bonus plan.