About the role

As a Manager – Direct Tax Litigation, you will drive impactful contributions within the Tax Compliance function supporting our Indian operations. You will manage direct tax matters, disputes, and compliance obligations for the company and its Indian subsidiaries. You will provide strategic legal advice, defend the organization’s tax positions before administrative and judicial authorities, and help ensure compliance with evolving Indian direct tax legislation.

In this role, you will:

- Serve as the primary in-house resource for direct tax matters affecting Indian operations and manage interactions with Indian Income Tax Department officials during assessments, scrutiny, and appeals.
- Represent the organization in tax disputes and proceedings before the Commissioner (Appeals), manage tax audit defense, and respond to statutory notices and information requests.
- Develop and implement tax compliance strategies aligned with business objectives and risk appetite, including advising on transfer pricing policies, documentation, and implications for intragroup transactions.
- Oversee Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs), support compliance with arm’s length principles, and guide finance and operations teams on the direct tax implications of corporate decisions and transactions.
- Prepare tax position papers, legal opinions,



and submissions to tax authorities; coordinate with the Group Tax function and external counsel on complex and cross-border matters; monitor relevant tax legislation and judicial precedents; and mentor junior legal staff.

What you must have to be considered

- Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognized university.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in direct tax litigation and compliance in India.
- Deep expertise in the Income Tax Act, 1961, Income Tax Act, 2025, applicable tax rules, and judicial interpretations.
- In-house experience within a corporate or multinational organization, or relevant experience with a Big 4 firm.
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
- Demonstrated track record of successfully defending complex tax positions and managing tax disputes.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
- A robust sense of ownership and commitment to meaningful outcomes.
- Embodiment of Cognizant’s values: Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do The Right Thing, and Own It.

These will help you succeed

- Knowledge of accounting standards, including Ind AS/IFRS, and their tax implications.

- Experience working in-house at multinational corporations or large industrial groups.
- Exposure to cross-border taxation and international tax treaty provisions.

📌 Direct Tax Litigation (Chennai)
🏢 People First Consultants
📍 Chennai