Financial Crime World

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Compliance Officer Plays Crucial Role in Jamaica’s Tax Administration

In a bid to ensure effective tax collection and enforcement in Jamaica, the Compliance Officer has emerged as a vital cog in the country’s tax administration machinery. The role is responsible for monitoring taxpayers’ compliance with tax laws and regulations, identifying potential risks and irregularities, and implementing strategies to mitigate these issues.

Key Responsibilities

The Compliance Officer is tasked with:

  • Collecting taxes, duties, and levies on behalf of the Government of Jamaica
  • Recommending enforcement actions against taxpayers who fail or refuse to comply with tax requirements
  • Enforcing compliance through legal administrative actions and contacting delinquent taxpayers

Performance Standards

To be considered successful in this role, Compliance Officers must:

  • Ensure that revenues collected are lodged on a timely basis and accounted for in accordance with the Financial Administration and Audit Act (FAA)
  • Constantly monitor and accurately reconcile taxpayers’ accounts after each transaction
  • Prepare relevant and accurate documentary evidence for court cases within stipulated timeframes

Required Competencies

To excel in this role, Compliance Officers require:

  • Excellent knowledge of all relevant tax laws, regulations, and guidelines
  • Excellent analytical skills
  • Good communication and team-building skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

Working Conditions

Compliance Officers work in a high-pressure environment, dealing with:

  • Hostile taxpayers
  • Irregular hours at times
  • Exposure to dust, dirt, and inclement weather conditions during travel (up to 60% of the time)

Contact Information

Compliance Officers have regular contacts with:

  • Various sections within Tax Administration Jamaica, including the Legal Support Division
  • External stakeholders such as:
    • Taxpayers/representatives
    • Ministries
    • Departments
    • Agencies
    • Resident magistrates’ courts
    • National land agency
    • Ministry of local government