Tax Department Manager

SUMMARY:
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.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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