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Compliance Officer Role and Responsibilities in Jamaica

In the Tax Administration of Jamaica (TAJ), a Compliance Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring that taxpayers comply with tax laws and regulations. The officer is responsible for collecting taxes, duties, and levies, as well as enforcing compliance through legal administrative actions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Collect taxes, duties, and levies on behalf of the Government of Jamaica
  • Recommend enforcement actions on taxpayers who fail or refuse to comply with requirements of Tax Laws and Regulations
  • Enforce compliance through legal administrative actions
  • Contact taxpayers on delinquent accounts
  • Prepare accurate and comprehensive reports in the required format and submit by due date

Performance Standards

The Compliance Officer is expected to satisfactorily perform their duties when:

  • Revenues collected are lodged on a timely basis and accounted for in accordance with the Financial Administration and Audit Act (FAA)
  • Taxpayers’ accounts are constantly monitored and accurately reconciled after each transaction
  • Relevant and accurate documentary evidence is prepared for court cases within the stipulated time
  • Delinquent Returns and payment enforcement programs are implemented in accordance with guidelines
  • Manageable payment arrangements are made and constantly monitored
  • Taxpayers’ records/files are updated with relevant payments, filing, enforcement information, and appropriate notes

Authority

The Compliance Officer has authority to:

  • Collect taxes, duties, and levies
  • Recommend enforcement actions on taxpayers who fail or refuse to comply with requirements of Tax Laws and Regulations
  • Enforce compliance through legal administrative actions
  • Contact taxpayers on delinquent accounts
  • Recommend amendments to procedures

Required Competencies

The ideal candidate should possess:

  • Excellent knowledge of all relevant tax laws, regulations, and guidelines
  • Excellent knowledge of TAJ’s operations and functions
  • Good knowledge of the Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act and other financial regulations and guidelines
  • Working knowledge of standard business operations and commercial practices
  • Working knowledge of computer systems and relevant applications

Skills and Techniques

The Compliance Officer should possess:

  • Excellent judgement, analytical skills
  • Excellent communication and team building skills
  • Excellent negotiating and persuasive skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skill
  • Very good time management skill
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel

Contacts

Internal contacts include various sections within TAJ, Legal Support Division, and other ministries, departments, and agencies. External contacts include:

  • Taxpayers/representatives
  • Resident magistrates courts
  • National land agency
  • Ministry of local government
  • Others

Working Conditions

The Compliance Officer works in a high-risk environment dealing with hostile taxpayers. The job requires:

  • Irregular working hours
  • Numerous critical deadlines
  • Exposure to dust, dirt, and inclement weather conditions
  • Travel (50%-60%)