Senior Tax Administrator / Tax Compliance Officer

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
JOB SPECIFICATION SENIOR TAX ADMINISTRATOR \/ TAX COMPLIANCE OFFICER Tax Compliance & SARS Administration Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape Work arrangement: Full-time, office-based Reports to: Tax Manager Role level: Experienced \/ senior operational level, positioned between Tax Administrator and Tax Manager About the Role Honey Recruitment Specialists is assisting an established professional accounting firm in Stellenbosch with the appointment of a Senior Tax Administrator \/ Tax Compliance Officer. This is a developing role that sits directly below the Tax Manager and provides a step up from a traditional Tax Administrator position. The successful candidate will take ownership of more complex SARS matters, coordinate tax administration workflows, monitor outstanding cases and provide reliable day-to-day support to the Tax Manager, while escalating technical or higher-risk matters when required. Key Responsibilities Manage and resolve SARS eFiling queries, correspondence and tax administration matters for the firm and its clients. Act as a key operational support to the Tax Manager, tracking outstanding matters, prioritising work and providing clear progress updates. Investigate tax account discrepancies, refunds and payment allocation issues, including re-allocation of tax payments. Prepare and submit supporting documentation to SARS and follow up until matters are resolved. Prepare and process Tax Compliance Status (TCS\/TCC) applications and Approval of International Transfer (AIT) applications. Coordinate updates to bank details, Registered Representatives, Public Officers and RAV information through the relevant SARS processes. Handle new client registrations and profile amendments on SARS eFiling. Prepare penalty and interest remission requests and assist with tax dispute or complaint processes. Follow up on tax return queries, refund matters and outstanding SARS requests; escalate unresolved or complex matters appropriately. Prepare and submit Dividends Tax and Donations Tax returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant deadlines. Liaise professionally with clients, SARS officials and internal accounting teams to obtain information and resolve queries. Attend SARS meetings or appointments where required and document outcomes and next steps. Maintain accurate client records, supporting documents, case notes and follow-up schedules. Monitor deadlines and workload, identify bottlenecks and help improve the consistency and efficiency of tax administration processes. Assist with quality-checking routine tax administration work and provide practical guidance or support to junior colleagues where appropriate. Complete other tax-related duties reasonably aligned with the role. Minimum Requirements At least 3 years' relevant experience in tax administration, accounting or auditing, preferably within an accounting or auditing practice. Practical, hands-on experience with SARS eFiling and SARS tax administration procedures. Good working knowledge of SARS Online Query System (SOQS) and the handling of SARS queries, refunds, supporting documents and complaints. Experience with tax compliance applications, including TCS\/TCC and AIT, plus Public Officer, Registered Representative and RAV updates. Experience preparing or processing Dividends Tax and Donations Tax returns, or demonstrable ability to take responsibility for these processes. Strong administrative, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook and Excel. Fluent in both Afrikaans and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages. Ability to handle confidential financial and client information with discretion and professionalism. Able to work in person at the client's Stellenbosch office. Advantageous Experience with Greatsoft or similar accounting practice management software. Experience coordinating a tax administration workflow or acting as the senior operational contact for tax-related matters. Relevant taxation, accounting or finance qualification. Key Competencies Strong ownership and follow-through on outstanding SARS matters. High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Professional, client-focused communication and relationship management. Sound judgement in prioritising work and identifying matters that require escalation. Proactive, dependable and comfortable working independently while supporting the Tax Manager. Able to maintain composure and professionalism when dealing with complex or delayed SARS matters. Role Scope & Reporting Structure This position is not intended to be a Tax Manager role. It is a more experienced, accountable role than a standard Tax Administrator, with day-to-day ownership of SARS processes, follow-ups and workflow coordination. The Tax Manager remains responsible for technical oversight, tax advice, higher-risk decisions and final escalation where appropriate. The exact division of duties can be refined with the client. Position Details Employment type: Full-time, permanent (subject to client confirmation) Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape Work arrangement: Office-based; not remote or hybrid Salary: Market-related and negotiable based on experience Honey Recruitment Specialists * Changing lives one placement at a time*