Head of Tax | Cape Town | Johannesburg

SUMMARY:
Head of Tax | Cape Town | Johannesburg

POSITION INFO:

The Opportunity:

As the Head of Tax, you will be a pivotal member of Our Client''s leadership team, responsible for the strategic direction and operational success of their tax department. You will oversee both compliance and advisory services, build and manage a high-performing team, and spearhead the development of their new Family Office offering. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven and technically astute tax professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering exceptional client service.

Key Responsibilities:

Tax Department Leadership & Management:

• Assume full accountability for the Tax Department, encompassing both compliance and tax advisory functions.

• Strategically develop, implement, and oversee a structured Family Office service offering tailored to the unique needs of HNWIs.

• Formulate and execute tax strategies that align with Our Client''s objective of providing world-class tax services.

• Provide expert advice on the structuring, administration, and taxation of Trusts, ensuring optimal tax efficiency and compliance.

• Establish and monitor departmental targets, ensuring financial profitability and sustainable growth.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of tax professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

Tax Advisory & Compliance:

• Deliver expert tax advisory services to clients with complex, often multi-jurisdictional tax considerations, while ensuring all advice remains rooted in South African tax legislation.

• Maintain a deep understanding of current and emerging tax legislation, SARS compliance requirements, and industry best practices.

• Prepare and review comprehensive tax opinions for Directors and clients.

• Oversee and manage end-to-end tax compliance across a broad range of tax types, including:

• Income tax

• Value Added Tax (VAT)

• Payroll taxes (PAYE, UIF, SDL)

• Dividends Withholding Tax (DWT)

• Securities Transfer Tax (STT)

• Other applicable withholding taxes

• Manage all aspects of tax registrations, SARS audits and verifications, and the resolution of tax disputes.

• Oversee the accurate calculation of income tax and deferred tax for year-end financial processing.

Estate Planning & Executorship Oversight:

• Manage and oversee Our Client''s estate planning and executorship services, ensuring efficient and seamless administration of deceased estates.

• Supervise the drafting of wills, accurate estate duty calculations, and comprehensive estate tax planning.

• Ensure strict compliance with all legal and tax requirements related to estate administration.

• Utilise Libralex software effectively to streamline estate planning and executorship processes.

Client Engagement & Business Development:

• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients, delivering exceptional service and insightful strategic tax advice.

• Develop and implement tailored tax solutions for high-net-worth individuals and businesses operating in intricate tax environments.

• Proactively engage with clients to understand their tax planning, compliance, and advisory needs.

• Undertake travel to client sites, SARS offices, service providers, and other of Our Client''s offices as required.

Operational & Financial Management:

• Establish and maintain effective and competitive pricing structures for tax services to ensure departmental profitability.

• Drive continuous improvement and efficiency in tax compliance and reporting processes.

• Prepare and manage client billing, ensuring accuracy and timely invoicing.

• Ensure the Tax Department maintains accurate and up-to-date time records for all billable activities.

Collaboration & Cross-Departmental Support:

• Collaborate closely with Partners, the accounting team, and the business advisory team to provide integrated financial and tax solutions to clients.

• Provide support to other service offerings during peak periods, including monthly processing and statutory compliance, as needed.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master’s degree in Taxation.

• Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) or an equivalent professional qualification.

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive and relevant tax experience, with a strong focus on:

• Taxation of high-net-worth individuals.

• Multi-jurisdictional tax considerations (with a primary focus on South African tax advice).

• Navigating SARS compliance, managing tax audits, and resolving tax disputes.

• Successfully managing and growing a tax department within a professional services firm.

• Proven proficiency in tax and accounting software, including:

• Must-have: GreatSoft and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Nice-to-have: Libralex and Xero.

Key Attributes & Skills:

• Exceptional managerial and leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to build, motivate, and lead a high-performing team.

• Unwavering commitment to high integrity, ethical standards, and professional credibility.

• Outstanding communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, stakeholders, and team members.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive results.

• High energy levels and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Flexibility and willingness to travel as required.