Samson Taiwo

With a distinguished career spanning about 15 years, I bring a multifaceted skill set and a profound understanding of critical areas, including anti-money laundering, governance, risk and compliance, financial crimes prevention, managing sanctions risk, cyber risk, customer due diligence, transfer pricing, corporate tax, indirect tax, and multinational tax across private and public sectors.

My academic journey has been marked by unwavering commitment to excellence, earning me a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Tax Law from a prestigious institution in the UK, alongside a Master of Risk Management and a Master of Business Administration with a specialized focus on Finance. Complementing my academic achievements, I have attained professional accolades including Associate memberships in both the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management and the Chartered Institute of Taxation. Also, I am honoured to be a Professional Member of the International Compliance Association (ICA), a testament to my dedication to upholding the highest industry standards of compliance and ethics.

Throughout my extensive career, I have demonstrated a remarkable understanding of Pension Funds Management and Tax Administration. My extensive experience in both private and public sectors has equipped me with a holistic perspective to safeguard organizations against threats, establish a culture of vigilance against financial crimes, ensure adherence to regulations, and foster an environment of trust.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Manager Tax | Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) | Lagos, Nigeria | January 2023- Present

• Taxpayer Assistance: Assisting taxpayers with complex tax matters.
• Tax Enforcement: Developing strategies for enforcing tax collection, including issuing notices.
• Tax Audits: Participating in tax audits of businesses
• Tax Compliance Oversight: Ensuring taxpayers comply with relevant tax laws
• Team Leadership: Managing and leading a team of 74 tax professionals
• Tax Law Interpretation: Interpreting and applying complex tax laws
• Tax Research: Staying up-dated with changes in tax laws and regulations
• Tax Training/Technical Session: Providing training and education to 289 staff, over 5000 taxpayers
• Data Analysis: Using data analytics tools and techniques to identify patterns of non-compliance
• Technology Integration: Participates in the integration of technology (Tax-Promax)

Deputy Manager Tax | Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) | Lagos, Nigeria | January 2020- December 2022

• Tax Reporting: Assisted in ensuring accurate and timely reporting of revenue collections
• Risk Assessment: Supported the Tax Managers in conducting risk assessments
• Financial Analysis: Supported the Tax Managers on financial analysis
• Tax Compliance Programs: Participated in implementation of tax compliance programs
• Tax Reporting: Involved in timely reporting of tax-related information to higher authorities
• Performance Metrics: Contributed to the establishment and monitoring of key performance metrics
• Legal Compliance: Assisted in ensuring adherence to FIRS establishment act, and ethical standards

Assistant Manager Tax | Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) | Lagos, Nigeria | April 2016-December 2019

• Tax Law Interpretation: Supported the Tax Managers in interpreting and applying tax laws
• Financial Analysis: Supported the Tax Managers to review financial statements and tax returns
• Data Analysis: Assisted the Tax Managers in the use of data analytics tools and techniques

Senior Custody Assistant | First Pension Custodian Nigeria | Lagos, Nigeria | June 2013-April 2016

• Client Relationship Management: Served as a point of contact for pension fund clients
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements
• Portfolio Rebalancing: Executed trades in alignment with asset allocation and investment objectives
• Technology and Systems: Utilized financial software and systems for accounting and reporting
• Team Leadership: Provided guidance and mentorship to junior staff
• Investment Accounting: Handled investment transactions and settlements
• Investment Strategy: Researched investment opportunities and market trends

Custody Assistant | First Pension Custodian Nigeria | Lagos, Nigeria | March 2009-June 2013

• Custody Operations: Handled custody functions such as safekeeping of assets, and trade settlement.
• Compliance: Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies related to pension fund accounts
• Portfolio Reporting: Preparation and presentation of portfolio performance reports to clients and managements
• Investment Accounting: Managed the accounting for pension fund investments, including valuation, income recognition, and timely reporting
• Account Reconciliation: Ensured accurate records of pension fund accounts under custody, and transaction reconciliation
• Risk Management: Identified and mitigated risks associated with pension fund accounts and investment operations

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor of Science (Edu) Accounting, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Nigeria, December 2004                      
• Master of Business Administration (Financial Management), LAUTECH, OGBOMOSO, Nigeria March 2014
• Master of Risk Management, University of Lagos, Nigeria, January 2018
• Master of Laws (LLM) International Tax Law, Bournemouth University, United Kingdom August 2023

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

• Associate, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (ACIPM)                                        November 2019
• Associate, Chartered Institute of Taxation (ACTI)                                                                  December 2020
• Chartered National Accountant, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) February 2022
• Profesional Member, International Compliance Association (ICA) (UK)                              September 2023