Mert Vardal
Experienced tax professional and audit executive with over 13 years of experience in tax compliance, controlling, accounting oversight, and audit management. His background spans multinational corporations, advisory firms, and industry-leading brands, with consistent focus on regulatory compliance, operational improvement, and risk management.
He has led teams, managed internal and external audits, supported tax planning and reporting processes, and developed practical, business-oriented solutions across local and international tax environments.
Professional Experience
Country Tax Compliance & Controlling Manager
Apr 2025 – Current
- Leading the tax and accounting departments with focus on compliance, learning culture, and functional targets.
- Ensuring tax reports are accurate and compliant with company policies and local and international tax standards.
- Assessing procedures, processes, and systems with emphasis on efficiency and innovation.
- Establishing a culture of trust, compliance, and tax control with internal and external stakeholders.
- Reviewing and escalating financial statement variances and risks and ensuring policy compliance.
- Managing internal and external audits and implementing recommendations and corrective actions.
Tax Director
Feb 2023 – Apr 2025
- Developed and updated job descriptions for senior tax staff.
- Led teams to establish direction, encourage improvement, and support innovation.
- Ensured client compliance while minimizing tax and reporting burdens.
- Used data and insights to support decision-making and recommendations.
- Built consensus across multiple viewpoints and simplified complex issues into actionable conclusions.
Senior Tax Controller
Aug 2021 – Feb 2023
- Reported to Country Finance Director and Global Tax Director in Paris, ensuring full compliance with local and global tax laws.
- Provided tax advice to finance teams and relevant stakeholders.
- Managed audit and tax audit processes with external auditors.
- Handled communication with tax authorities and coordinated transfer pricing responsibilities.
- Managed transfer pricing audits and cross-border controversy matters.
- Built and reviewed financial models.
Executive Tax and Accounting
May 2020 – Aug 2021
- Ensured compliance with local and global tax laws for country affiliates.
- Prepared and checked tax declarations including VAT, Withholding, and Corporate Tax.
- Supported tax planning and structuring with global and local stakeholders.
- Managed tax audits, litigations, and legislative monitoring.
- Reported tax risks and worked with external tax lawyers.
Tax and Accounting Specialist
Dec 2017 – May 2020
- Audited and reported full certification services under Turkish Tax Regulations.
- Prepared and checked tax declarations and provided consultancy on Corporate Tax, Income Tax, VAT, Stamp Duty, and accounting matters.
- Executed periodic e-ledger activities and developed sustainable tax strategies.
- Managed projects related to tax incentives in Turkey for investments and due diligence work.
Senior Tax Auditor
May 2014 – Dec 2017
- Performed and managed tax and accounting compliance audit projects.
- Reviewed financial statements and tax declarations including Corporate Tax, VAT, Withholding Tax, Stamp Tax, Payroll Tax, and Social Security Declarations.
- Analyzed related party transactions, transfer pricing, thin capitalization, and tax attributes.
- Delegated work to team members and reported directly to Tax Senior Manager.
Education
Bachelor of Economics
Jun 2013
Core Skills
- Corporate Tax Preparation
- Tax Audit Procedures
- Liabilities Mitigation
- Year-End Tax Provision Proficiency
- Document Preparation
- Deductions Listing
- QuickBooks Proficiency
- Business Operations
- USGAAP
- Supervision
- Team Management
- Project Organization
- Operational Improvement
- Problem Resolution
- Filing System Management
- Process Improvement
- MS Office
- SAP