Description
This role is responsible for the leadership and management of the Individuals, Trusts, Estates and Expatriate Compliance function within the Tax Department. The incumbent will oversee client service delivery, technical quality, people management, operational efficiency and business development within the scope of the portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Manage a portfolio of expatriate and individual and trust tax clients.
Act as primary relationship manager for key and VIP clients.
Deliver high-quality advisory and compliance services within agreed timelines.
Provide proactive tax planning opportunities and risk management solutions.
Attend client meetings and present technical tax matters clearly and commercially.
Oversee preparation and review of:
Individual income tax returns
Provisional tax calculations
Foreign income disclosures
Foreign tax credit calculations
Residency analyses
Cessation of residency applications
Double Tax Agreement (DTA) applications
Section 10(1)(o)(ii) exemption assessments
Advise on:
South African tax residency implications
Global mobility structures
Cross-border remuneration
Offshore investments and foreign pensions
Tax implications of emigration and repatriation
Manage SARS queries, verifications, audits, and disputes.
Review and approve responses to SARS correspondence.
Liaise directly with SARS on escalated matters.
Oversee objection and appeal processes where required.
Technical Responsibilities
Maintain strong knowledge of:
South African Income Tax Act
Tax Administration Act
Exchange control regulations
International tax principles
Double Tax Agreements
SARS interpretation notes and practice
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members.
Conduct internal technical training sessions.
Assist with development of internal processes and compliance controls.
People Management Responsibilities
Manage workflow allocation and turnaround times.
Review work prepared by managers and junior staff.
Monitor productivity, recoverability, and work-in-progress management.
Conduct performance reviews and staff coaching.
Assist with recruitment and onboarding of team members.
Financial and Operational Responsibilities
Manage budgets, billing, and recoverability targets.
Monitor debtor collections and client profitability.
Ensure adherence to internal risk and quality control procedures.
Identify efficiencies and process improvements within the compliance function.
Business Development Responsibilities
Identify opportunities for additional services within existing client portfolios.
Support proposal preparation and fee discussions.
Build and maintain professional networks and referral relationships.
Contribute to thought leadership articles and client communications.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
BCom degree
Postgraduate qualification in Tax or BCom Honours would be advantageous
Experience and Professional Registration
Membership of the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT)
Registered Tax Practitioner
A minimum of 15 years' relevant tax experience
A minimum of 5 years' managerial experience in a tax advisory or professional services environment
Required Competencies
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement
Strong focus on risk management, quality control and compliance processes
Strong technical tax capability
Excellent planning and organisational skills
Demonstrated leadership and people management capability
Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
Strategic and commercial thinking ability
Comprehensive knowledge of tax compliance processes, including systems, e-Filing, SARS liaison and deadline management
Sound knowledge of South African income tax legislation
Proactive, confident and solutions-driven approach
Strong delivery focus and ability to manage multiple priorities
Collaborative team player with strong relationship-building ability