Manager, Indirect Tax

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.

A Career at HARMAN Corporate

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Corporate, you are integral to our company’s award-winning success.

• Enrich your managerial and organizational talents – from finance, quality, and supply chain to human resources, IT, sales, and strategy
• Augment your comprehensive skillset with expert training across decision-making, change management, leadership, and business development
• Obtain 360-degree support throughout your career life cycle, from early-stage to seasoned leader

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Indirect Tax Manager to be based in Shanghai, reporting to Tax Director. This role will be responsible for managing indirect tax matters for the Shanghai entity, including the trading business across business divisions and the R&D function, and for providing indirect tax oversight to the manufacturing plants.

This position will work closely with local finance teams, business stakeholders, and external advisors to ensure compliant, efficient, and well-controlled indirect tax operations. The role will drive cross-functional coordination to standardize indirect tax processes across the China organization.

Your Team

This position will have 2 direct reports.

What You Will Do

1. Indirect tax management for Shanghai entity

• Manage day-to-day indirect tax matters for the Shanghai entity, including VAT and surtaxes, and related reporting requirements.
• Manage and support VAT exemption applications and ongoing compliance for BPO/KPO service arrangements, including document preparation, filing support, and tax authority communications.
• Review business transactions, contracts, invoicing flows, and supporting documentation to ensure appropriate indirect tax treatment.

2. Oversight of manufacturing plants

• Provide functional oversight to the indirect tax personnel at the manufacturing plants.
• Review plant-level indirect tax compliance, filings, reconciliations, and tax positions to ensure accuracy and consistency.

3. Risk management and tax controversy support

• Monitor and assess indirect tax risks across China entities and develop mitigation actions where needed.
• Lead or support responses to tax authority inquiries, tax bureau challenges, data requests, and tax inspections.
• Lead defense files in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external advisors.

4. Process improvement and controls

• Cross-functional partner with finance, supply chain, procurement, sales, R&D, and IT teams to improve data quality, process efficiency, and tax determination accuracy.
• Drive process standardization and documentation, including SOPs, review checklists, and training materials.
• Provide practical advice on new business models, transaction flows, contract terms, and operational changes from an indirect tax perspective.

5. Projects, governance, and Ad-hoc

• Support indirect tax aspects of business transformation, system implementation, restructuring, or post-acquisition integration projects.
• Provide periodic updates to tax and finance leadership on key risk areas, ongoing issues, and improvement initiatives.
• Any ad-hoc tasks assigned.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in taxation, accounting, finance or related field. Master’s degree or professional certification is preferred.
• Experience: 8+ years of relevant experience in indirect tax, preferably with a multinational company, Big Four firm, or a combination of both.
• Technical skills:
  • Solid knowledge of PRC indirect tax rules and practices, especially VAT, invoicing administration, and tax authority management.
  • Hands-on experience supporting trading and/or manufacturing business models.
  • Experience with R&D service recharge models and VAT exemption matters (including BPO/KPO-related experience) is highly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of indirect tax controls, process design, and risk management.
  • Experience in dealing with tax authority inquiries, tax audits, or controversy matters.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work across different functions and locations.
  • Practical, detail-oriented, and capable of balancing technical accuracy with business needs.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems (such as SAP) and tax-related data/process controls is preferred.
• Soft skills:
  • Strong sense of responsibility, resilience, integrity.
  • Project management and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent communication skills in English and Mandarin.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience overseeing indirect tax matters for multiple legal entities or multiple sites within China.
• Experience in manufacturing, supply chain, and plant-related VAT issues.
• Experience in process transformation, automation, or tax control framework enhancement.
• Experience in working within a matrix organization and interacting with regional/global tax and finance teams.

What Makes You Eligible

• Have a working knowledge of English.
• You are willing to travel, if necessary.
• Due to the nature of global infrastructure, you understand that flexibility in working hours is required.
• Successfully complete a background investigation as a condition of employment.

What We Offer

• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.).
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University.
• Competitive wellness benefits.
• Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria.
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.