Head of Tax | Johannesburg

The Recruitment Council; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accounting firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Head of Tax to oversee their tax department, delivering high-quality compliance and advisory services for high-net-worth clients. This leadership role requires a strategic thinker with a Master’s in Taxation and significant experience in tax management and advisory services. The ideal candidate will be skilled in developing tailored solutions and driving team success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of tax experience focused on high-net-worth individuals.
• Proven experience managing tax compliance and advisory.
• Strong understanding of SARS compliance and tax strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the tax department, ensuring compliance and advisory services.
• Develop and implement tax strategies aligned with client needs.
• Cultivate relationships with clients, ensuring exceptional service.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Master’s degree in Taxation

Chartered Accountant (CA(SA))

Tools

GreatSoft

Microsoft Office Suite

Libralex

Xero

Job description

Our Client is a growing and dynamic accounting firm in South Africa, dedicated to providing exceptional accounting, tax, and advisory services. They pride themselves on their commitment to excellence and their ability to support a diverse client base, often with international interests. As they continue to expand their capabilities, they are seeking a visionary and experienced Head of Tax to lead and grow their tax department, ensure world-class compliance, and establish a dedicated Family Office service for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs).

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 organisational skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel as required.

To Apply:

If you are a highly motivated and experienced tax professional looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity to lead a dynamic tax department and build a new Family Office offering at Our Client, we encourage you to apply.