Conal O'Donnell - Digicell Jamaica
Following six enjoyable years with PwC in Dublin, I chose to take on the role of Group Head of Taxation and Treasury for telecommunications provider Digicel in May 2006. The role is based in Jamaica but involves travel to the many markets where Digicel operates. Digicel currently operates in 23 markets in the Caribbean and our most recent financial year revenue figures were in excess of US$1.5billion.
Broadly speaking, the role is an even split between the two areas with a Group Taxation Manager and a Group Treasury Manager overseeing their respective departments. On the tax side, the main focus would be exploring different means of reducing the Group’s tax liability in each of our markets. However, it is equally important that the company is fully up-to-date with its tax filings and payments, and that structures are maintained and relevant.
The best aspect of working in taxation is that it is a critical factor in all business decisions. Be it the evaluation of a new product range, acquisition of a business, or simple everyday running of the company, taxation has an impact in all areas. Consequently, you learn how the company is evolving long before such plans are made public – therefore offering an important input into the decision making process.
My favourite experience to date would be the sheer variety of opportunities that have been presented to me through my work. The Digicel Group has expanded rapidly during the time I have been here and it continues to do so. With that, I have been afforded many great opportunities to travel to countries within the Caribbean and beyond, which otherwise I may never see. Many young professionals now take a ‘year out’ to go travelling, but I am privileged as my work combines the two.
Many decisions in my work involve a review of financial information and for me, having a background in accounting has proved invaluable. However, people from non-accounting backgrounds enjoy other advantages – for example, interpretation of legislation and a good command of the English language, to communicate difficult tax concepts to other decision makers. Nonetheless, I would advise anyone thinking of a career in taxation to take advantage of any accounting aspects in their learning, be it during their college course or through professional education with the Institute of Taxation.
A career in taxation presents many opportunities and exposure to senior levels in all organisations and the best advice I would give is to grasp those opportunities!!