Tax Manager

Role Summary

The primary purpose of this role is to provide expert guidance on tax-related matters to both internal staff and clients. Responsibilities include conducting tax research, delivering staff training, addressing tax queries, and liaising with SARS and clients. The position also involves managing the workflow of the tax department to ensure timely and accurate completion of audits, income tax returns, provisional tax returns, IT14SDs, Tax Ombud complaints, objections, appeals, and tax exemption applications. The incumbent will also be expected to provide tax consulting services to clients and directors.

Minimum Academic Qualifications

• Grade 12 with Accounting as a subject
• Relevant Tax or equivalent qualification
• Proven experience in a tax-related environment
• SAIT registration

Required Skills, Competencies, and Experience

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication
• Effective interpersonal and client service skills
• Training and leadership capabilities
• Delegation and conflict resolution
• Strong numerical ability
• Team and project management skills

Competencies

• High level of computer literacy
• Ability to work under pressure and handle a demanding workload
• Confidentiality and integrity
• Advanced knowledge and practical application of the Income Tax Act, Tax Administration Act, and VAT Act
• Familiarity with SARS dispute resolution procedures

Experience

• General administrative duties
• Liaison with SARS and handling tax-related issues
• Supervisory experience
• In-depth interpretation and application of tax legislation
• Experience working with Tax Ombud procedures

Computer Proficiency

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• GreatSoft
• SARS e-Filing
• LexisNexis

Key Responsibilities & Performance Indicators

• Supervise tax department staff and manage team workflow
• Review and ensure timely and accurate submission of income tax returns
• Complete and oversee complex income tax and provisional tax submissions
• Manage billing and administrative processes related to tax submissions
• Review SARS documentation, including assessments and notifications
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client and tax data in the system
• Ensure all returns and supporting documentation are quality assured and compliant
• Oversee recordkeeping for all tax-related documentation
• Assist and guide staff in tax-related issues and return completion
• Address workflow bottlenecks and assist as needed
• Handle system issues related to GreatSoft
• Ensure timely delivery of documents, returns, and payments to SARS
• Follow up on client payments and outstanding balances
• Review and resolve discrepancies in SARS assessments and accounts
• Manage the full dispute resolution process and billing thereof
• Review 10–20% of tax returns prior to submission
• Manage IT14SD and income tax review processes
• Handle complex tax queries, draft opinions, and provide ad-hoc tax support
• Visit SARS offices weekly for updates to banking and taxpayer details
• Stay up to date through continued professional development
• Work towards meeting revenue targets set by directors
• Collaborate with the Tax Ombud to resolve client complaints and ensure compliance
• Oversee tax compliance, strategy, and reporting to mitigate risk and improve outcomes
• Ensure adherence to the firm’s System of Quality Management (SOQM), policies, and procedures
• Maintain compliance with the firm’s Employee Code of Conduct, as well as SAICA, IRBA, and IESBA standards