Chief Executive Officer

Edge Executives; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in Pretoria is searching for a Chief Executive Officer to lead their tax-focused organization. This role requires a seasoned tax professional with over 10 years of experience in tax advisory, compliance, and litigation. Responsibilities include setting the strategic direction, ensuring technical excellence, and representing the firm within the tax community. The candidate should hold a law or accounting degree, advanced tax qualifications, and display strong leadership capabilities. The position offers a unique opportunity to enhance the organization's reputation and visibility in the South African tax landscape.

Qualifications

• Approximately 10–15 years’ tax experience across advisory, compliance, and litigation.
• Broad-based knowledge of the South African tax landscape.
• Professional recognition through publications or speaking engagements.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall strategic and operational leadership.
• Ensure quality and integrity of tax advice and services.
• Lead and mentor senior professionals.
• Represent the organization in the tax community.
• Contribute to thought leadership in tax.

Skills

Leadership

Tax advisory

Tax compliance

Tax litigation

Stakeholder management

Collaboration

Education

Law or accounting degree

Advanced tax qualification

Master’s degree (NQF Level 9)

Job description

Chief Executive Officer | Pretoria | Executive

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected tax-focused organisation at a pivotal point in its evolution. The role calls for a seasoned tax professional with the stature, credibility, and leadership maturity to guide strategy, people, and reputation.

The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for setting and executing the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring technical excellence across its tax offering, and strengthening its standing within the South African tax ecosystem. The role combines high-level leadership with deep technical oversight, requiring an individual who can balance commercial realities with professional integrity.

Our client operates within the professional services environment, serving a diverse base of corporate and complex clients. The organisation values rigorous technical standards, collaborative leadership, and meaningful contribution to the broader tax profession.

What You’ll Do

• Provide overall strategic and operational leadership to the organisation.

• Ensure the quality, relevance, and integrity of tax advice, compliance, and related services.

• Lead and mentor senior professionals, fostering collaboration across teams and disciplines.

• Represent the organisation within the tax community, including engagement with regulators, professional bodies, and industry forums.

• Contribute to thought leadership, positioning the organisation as a credible and influential voice in tax.

• Balance commercial sustainability with professional and ethical standards.

What You Bring

• A law or accounting degree with an advanced tax qualification.

• Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) preferred.

• Approximately 10–15 years’ tax experience, with depth across at least two of tax advisory, tax compliance, and tax litigation.

• Broad-based knowledge of the South African tax landscape beyond narrow specialisation.

• Previous experience as a partner or director within a mid‑sized or larger firm.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, collaborate at the group level, and manage senior stakeholders.

• Professional recognition through publications, speaking engagements, or committee involvement.

• Candidates from government or academia are considered, provided there is strong practical exposure to private sector tax practice.

What Success Looks Like

• A clear, credible strategic direction aligned to the organisation’s purpose.

• Strong, engaged senior teams delivering consistent technical excellence.

• Enhanced reputation and visibility within the South African tax community.

• Sustainable growth underpinned by sound governance and leadership.