Tax Department Manager
-
Permanent
PE006481
Finance
Eastern Cape, Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth
Cost To Company (Market related, Negotiable)
Our client, a finance company based in Gqeberha, is looking for a Tax Department Manager to oversee tax operations, lead the team, and ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.
Skills
auditsfinancesaicasaipasaitsarstax manager
Key Responsibilities
  1. Technical Tax Leadership
  • Provide expert technical oversight across all major tax types, including:
    • Income Tax (Individuals, Companies, Trusts)
    • Provisional Tax
    • VAT
    • PAYE and related payroll taxes
    • Dividends Tax and Withholding Taxes
  • Review and sign off on complex tax computations, returns, and submissions.
  • Interpret and apply current tax legislation, case law, and SARS practice notes.
  • Provide guidance on complex tax structures, transactions, and compliance matters.
  • Ensure tax advice and submissions are technically sound, defensible, and well‑documented.
  1. SARS Engagement & Dispute Resolution
  • Manage and oversee all complex SARS interactions, including:
    • Audits and verifications
    • Requests for Information (RFIs)
    • Requests for Reasons (RFRs)
    • Objections and appeals
    • Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) matters
  • Draft, review, and approve detailed technical responses to SARS.
  • Act as the escalation point for high‑risk or contentious SARS matters.
  • Ensure all deadlines are monitored and met, and risks are proactively managed.
  1. People & Team Management
  • Lead, manage, and develop the tax team, including:
    • Tax administrators, consultants, and senior tax staff
  • Allocate work appropriately based on complexity, capacity, and competence.
  • Conduct performance management, coaching, mentoring, and skills development.
  • Identify training needs and ensure ongoing technical and professional development.
  • Foster a high‑performance, accountable, and collaborative team culture.
  1. Client Service & Advisory
  • Act as a senior tax contact for key clients.
  • Communicate complex tax matters clearly and practically to clients.
  • Support client retention and growth through high‑quality service and trusted advice.
  • Identify opportunities for tax planning, advisory, and additional services.
  • Ensure a consistent, professional client experience across the tax department.
  1. Operational & Quality Management
  • Ensure tax work is delivered:
    • Accurately
    • Timeously
    • In line with internal SOPs and professional standards
  • Monitor departmental workflows, deadlines, and capacity.
  • Maintain and improve tax processes, templates, and checklists.
  • Ensure proper documentation and audit trails for all tax matters.
  • Contribute to departmental budgeting, productivity, and profitability.
  1. Compliance & Professional Standards
  • Ensure compliance with:
    • SARS requirements
    • Professional body standards
    • Internal policies and procedures
  • Stay up to date with legislative changes and ensure timely implementation.
  • Ensure CPD requirements are met (self and team, where applicable).
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
  • Relevant Tax Degree / Postgraduate Tax Qualification
  • Minimum 5–8 years relevant tax experience, with exposure to complex tax matters
  • Proven experience managing and leading a team
  • Strong experience dealing directly with SARS audits, disputes, and technical queries
  • Excellent, up‑to‑date knowledge of South African tax legislation
Advantageous
  • Professional registration (e.g. SAIT, SAICA, SAIPA)
  • Experience in a professional services / advisory firm environment
  • Exposure to tax planning and structuring
Key Competencies & Skills
  • Strong technical tax competence
  • Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
  • High attention to detail and quality
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage complexity and competing deadlines
  • Leadership, coaching, and people‑management capability
  • Professional judgment and ethical decision‑making
  • Client‑focused mindset
Performance Measures (Indicative)
Quality and accuracy of tax work
  • SARS outcomes and dispute resolution success
  • Timeliness of submissions and responses
  • Team productivity, capability, and engagement
  • Client satisfaction and retention
Compliance with internal standards and procedures
For more information please contact:
Arlene