Regional Office Head at the Kwara State Government

The Kwara State Government, in its efforts to increase and diversify its revenue base for financial freedom and bolstered efficacy in governance, recently passed the Kwara State Revenue Administration Law, 2015 (Law No.6 of 2015).

Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KS-IRS), as established by this Law, is the sole entity responsible for the effective and efficient administration of tax and related matters on behalf of the Kwara State Government. The
KS-IRS Mandate:

• To maintain the integrity of the tax laws and processes by eliminating all instances of multiple taxation;
• To assist the State Government to attain specific economic and social policies, systems and targets; and
• To stimulate voluntary compliance so as to advance maximum representation of the populace in executive decision making.

In keeping with the mandate for the KS-IRS, the kwara State Government is seeking individual with uncommon dedication who are high-achieving, highly dynamic and innovative with proven target driven orientation to fill the underlisted position in the newly established KS-IRS:

Job Title: Regional Office Head

Start Date: August 2015
Location: Kwara
Reporting To: Regional Coordinators
Direct Reports: Varies by number of Revenue Agents
Contract Term: 4 Years (Renewable)
 
Job Description

• Regional Office Heads are in charge of ensuring and reporting data, revenues collected, and critical information that can impact the success of the KS-IRS and 'interaction with informal sector players (markets, professionals and artisans).
• This role is one of the 3 main roles whose performance assessment is directly tied to the goal of widening the taxable base of the KWSG through the all-encompassing inclusion of all micro, small and medium enterprises (informal sector) in each of the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the State.
• This role is critical to ensuring continuous enumeration of businesses and individual in this sector and encouraging their continuous voluntary contribution of taxes.
• Therefore not only is it crucial for ' fiscal sustainability, it is necessary for more responsive and higher impact program planning by the KWSG.

Specific Tasks
Specific tasks are divided into the following categories and include:

• Offering guidance about technical and any other issues that are impediments to the taxpayers’ understanding of their obligations;
• Help to conduct surveys, studies, and focus groups to determine how effective existing tax-specific products, services, and communications are to payment and collection;
• Customizing communication materials to help educate taxpayers on their obligations to file and pay taxes, and to comply voluntarily with tax laws;
• Reach out to taxpayers who have become delinquent so as to collect tax debts and obtain delinquent tax returns;
• Interview taxpayers and their representatives, usually at the taxpayer's place of business or residence, obtaining and analyzing financial information to determine the taxpayer’s ability to pay the tax bill and collecting due;
• Collate all information provided by the revenue agents and send in the appropriate manner to Regional Coordinators;
• Monitor all Revenue Agents and ensure there is no behavior that is misaligned with the code of conduct of the KS-IRS, cause discomfort of taxpayers, and detract from the maximization of enumeration and revenue collection
• Intervene in disputes between taxpayers and Revenue Agents;
• Maintain and monitor all assets of the regional office and those utilized on the field by the Revenue Agents;
• With the field information, assist Director ofs, Executive Chairperson and other MDAs to in revenue projects and investment activities that will directly impact the informal sector.

Education

• BSc/BA in Economics, Finance, General Management, and/or Organizational Behavior; MA preferred

Professional Experience:

• 5 years
• Tax collection and/or management
• Demonstrable evidence of community involvement and leadership in several programs either sponsored by KWSG or independent.
• Demonstrated supervisory abilities (instructing, planning, and motivating) through experience in directing and organizing program activities.
• Clear experience and knowledge about the region under application, informal sector commercial practices therein, and techniques that have been successful in identifying players, and the collection of delinquent loans.
• Demonstrable proficiency in developing strategic relationships with trade unions/associations, and the community.
• Required Skills:
• Proficient in Microsoft systems, e.g., Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Clear understanding of both motivations and requirements of key players that will impact KS-IRS.
• Fluency in local language of area posted.
• Fluency in written and spoken English required, Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, ensure coherence and consistency, independently, and meet deadlines consistently.

Personal Attributes:

• High ethical standards and fiduciary duty.
• The incumbent will view and possess significant confidential information regarding all aspects of our finances. High levels of discretion, integrity and judgment are required.
• Keen analytic, organizational and problem solving skills which allows for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting.
• Knowledge of the political environment and decision making factors, but courage to maintain objectivity and stay on track by managing up.
• Personal credibility and integrity.
• Self-confidence and respect for others, regardless of position, and willingness to work as a team member/leader.
• Ability to articulate positions concisely and quickly, in a manner that is useful and easily understood by all stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to be an effective leader in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to communicate and interact effectively at all levels of the organization.

Remuneration
Successful candidate will enjoy attractive compensation packages commensurate with the role. This role also attracts performance based bonuses.

Application Closing Date
15th July, 2015.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Resume/CV and Cover Letter to: [email protected] Put the position you are applying for as the subject of the email.

Click Here to Download Job Description (PDF)

Note:

• Both External and Internal (members of the Kwara State Civil Service) parties are invited to apply.
• The Kwara State Government is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage absolutely all persons who believe they have the technical merit as well as deep understanding of the purpose and intent behind the creation of KS-IRS, and enjoy a challenge, to apply and be considered. Women are especially encouraged.