Terms of Reference
External Tax Audit Consultant
Enhanced Integrated Framework Program
Introduction
The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) is the lead ministry in the government overseeing the implementation of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) program for the Least Developed Countries in the Maldives. EIF is a global program that assists LDCs countries in mainstreaming trade into their development agenda, building capacity in trade related areas and coordinating trade related technical assistance. As a recently graduated LDC country, Maldives continues to be a beneficiary of the program until the end of 2015.
The ministry has mobilized funding from the Tier 1 of the EIF program for a second phase towards implementation of the project titled “Strengthening capacity of Ministry of Economic Development to deliver a coordinated approach on trade, investment and business facilitation”.
The objective of the project is to support Maldives to implement its economic, trade and investment programs in a coherent and consistent manner to achieve inclusive growth, job creation and economic diversification while supporting Maldives to integrate into global value chains through enhanced trade capacity.
In support of Government’s broader economic reform agenda, and building on from the partnership collaboration established with Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) under the EIF program since 2013, the project is extending support to MIRA to further strengthen its institutional capacity to handle complex tax audits.
Towards this end, the project is seeking the services of a qualified international tax audit consultant to support institutional capacity building efforts of MIRA.
Background
The primary purpose of hiring an audit consultant is to strengthen the work carried out by the audit departments of MIRA. Currently, audit departments of MIRA comprise of approximately 60 qualified staff with limited experience in conducting tax audits.
One of the core functions of MIRA’s audit departments include conducting tax assessments and gathering intelligence for audits and investigations conducted by MIRA. A significant portion of revenue collected by MIRA can be associated to the work of these departments. Therefore, it is crucial that the consultancy service obtained yield constructive results to the audit departments, which includes advancement of their auditing skills/tactics and enhancement of the overall audit process.
Enhancing audit capacity has been one of the major strategic priorities of MIRA which has been highlighted in the Strategic Plan of MIRA for 2015-2019. KPI’s have been developed in relation to enhancing audit capability. Establishing a fully automated risk profiling and audit selection system is one of the strategic milestones of MIRA. It is believed that strengthening the audit capabilities would ultimately minimize abuse of tax system.
Scope of Work
The Tax Audit Consultant is expected to provide assistance to the Audit and Investigation Department (AID), Large Taxpayer Service Department (LTS) and Micro Business Audit Section (MBAS) at the Compliance Department of MIRA in conducting tax audits, by providing necessary guidance during complex tax audits and supporting audit staff to advance their investigative knowledge.
Supervisor: Deputy Commissioner General of Taxation
Contract Duration: 6 person-months (132 working days)
Responsibilities and Duties
The Consultant will undertake the following tasks:
- Guide MIRA auditors in conducting tax audits, primarily through participation in fieldwork.
- Design and lead a capacity development training program on tax audit as per the requirements of MIRA.
- Review MIRA’s tax audit manual and relevant standard operating procedures and provide suggestions on aligning them with international best practice.
- Develop a framework for taxpayer risk-profiling.
- Provide periodic reports (at least quarterly) indicating work carried out under the consultancy to meet project reporting requirements to donors.
Experience/Qualification Requirements
The Consultant must have at least 10 years of experience in the operations of a tax administration, including the management of audit and investigation functions, and experience in providing technical assistance to developing countries.
Deliverables
The following deliverables are expected from the consultant:
- Inception report (Project plan)
- Final report
Funding Approved
Per Diem: USD 400 per working day (payable monthly)
Food and accommodation: USD 168 per working day (payable monthly)
1 return ticket: USD 2,000
Working Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Sunday – Thursday), with 1 hour lunch break
Work Station: Maldives Inland Revenue Authority, Ameenee Magu, Male’, Maldives
Application Deadline: Wednesday, 30 September 2015 before 3:00 pm. Applications can be submitted via e-mail to planning@mira.gov.mv.
Enquiries: Aiman Ibrahim
Director General, Technical and Public Awareness
T: (+960) 333 9519
M: (+960) 992 4626