Tax Manager ()

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.  

Role Overview:

The Tax Manager will be primarily responsible for overseeing and executing all aspects of Indirect Taxes in Brazil, including ICMS, IPI, ISS, PIS/COFINS, and the upcoming CBS/IBS reform. This is a hands-on role requiring deep technical knowledge of indirect tax legislation, SPED compliance, and electronic invoicing (NF-e/NFS-e), along with the ability to lead projects and partner with business and IT teams.

While the primary focus is Indirect Taxes, the role will also interact with Direct Tax areas (IRPJ, CSLL, transfer pricing, WHT) and thus a solid understanding of Brazil’s direct tax framework is desirable.

What will you be doing?

Indirect Taxes

Daily Operations

• Invoice validation & issuance (NF-e / NFS-e / CT-e):
  Check if all electronic invoices comply with federal/state/municipal requirements; troubleshoot invoice rejections in SEFAZ portals.

• Tax coding of transactions:
  Apply correct CST/CFOP codes and NCM classification to ensure the right ICMS, IPI, PIS/COFINS, and ISS treatment.

• Calculation of credits and debits:
  Control ICMS credits (on purchases of goods/services, utilities, fixed assets) and PIS/COFINS non-cumulative credits. Verify eligibility and proper booking.

• Reconciliation of ledgers:
  Match GL postings with tax subledgers and SPED data to ensure integrity of balances for ICMS, IPI, PIS/COFINS, ISS.

Monthly/Periodic Compliance

• SPED obligations:
  Prepare and submit EFD-ICMS/IPI, EFD-Contribuições, reconciling with accounting and NF-e bases.

• Municipal compliance:
  Handle ISS declarations in multiple cities (each with their own rules and systems).

• ICMS-ST & DIFAL calculations:
  Compute substitution tax (Substituição Tributária) and differential rate (DIFAL) for interstate transactions.

• Tax payment scheduling:
  Generate DARFs/DARFs numerados/GNREs and ensure timely payments at federal, state, and municipal levels.

Audits

Handle tax audits (fiscalizações), administrative/judicial defenses, and manage relationship with Receita Federal.

Projects & Improvements

• ERP configuration:
  Work directly in TOTVS, to configure tax codes and test new rules (especially for CBS/IBS migration).

• Tax scenario testing:
  Create test transactions (domestic, imports, exports, services) to validate system tax outputs.

• Indirect tax automation:
  Implement tools to automate PIS/COFINS credit calculations, ICMS reconciliations, and SPED reporting.

• Monitor law changes:
  Track updates in ICMS protocols, municipal ISS rules, and CBS/IBS reform legislation, applying changes immediately in systems and compliance routines.

Cross-Functional & Strategic

• Partner with supply chain, commercial, and legal teams to analyze tax impacts on contracts, pricing, and logistics (e.g., ICMS credits, destination-based taxation).

• Lead implementation of the new VAT system (CBS + IBS), including ERP configuration, testing, and compliance processes.

• Evaluate tax planning opportunities to optimize cash flow and effective tax rate, always ensuring compliance with Brazilian law.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep technical expertise in Brazilian tax legislation (federal, state, and municipal)

•  Strong command of SPED reporting and digital obligations.

•  Hands-on approach: able to both design strategy and perform calculations, filings, and reconciliations.

• ERP knowledge: TOTVS Protheus

• Analytical mindset with the ability to solve complex tax and compliance issues

•  Strong communication skills to interface with auditors, consultants, and government authorities.

Direct Taxes (Secondary / Nice to Have)

• Provide support in areas such as IRPJ, CSLL, withholding taxes (IRRF, CIDE, PIS/COFINS/CSLL on imports).

• Collaborate on LALUR/LACS maintenance and deferred tax calculations.

• Assist with transfer pricing calculations and documentation.

What will you need to be successful?

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or economics; post-graduate degree or MBA in Taxation highly preferred.

• 8 plus years of progressive experience in Brazilian taxation, ideally in both industry and Big Four consulting.

• Proven track record managing direct and indirect taxes in Brazil, including SPED obligations and NF-e processes.

• Fluency in English and Portuguese (mandatory)

You. Unlimited.

We believe in crafting the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

• Inclusion and Equity- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website.

• Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension Schemes, Save As You Earn share options.

• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Vacation and Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteering Hours, so we can give back to our communities!

• Your Wellbeing: Private Health and Dental plans, Healthcare Cash Plans, Income Protection, Life Assurance and much more.

• Flexibility: Hybrid Working Model (For most professional roles).

• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship

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