Lead Specialist, Tax Reporting

South Pole; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

An international environmental consultancy is seeking a Tax Professional in Cape Town to oversee global tax processes, ensuring compliance and providing advisory support across jurisdictions. The role requires strong technical knowledge in tax and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates should hold a bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and have substantial experience in tax, especially with multinational organizations.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive tax experience, ideally gained in a Big Four firm or within a multinational organization.
• Proven experience managing multi-jurisdictional tax compliance processes, preferably with a strong focus on European tax regimes.
• Familiarity with UK, US, or Netherlands tax systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage the quarterly and year-end IFRS tax provision.
• Coordinate with local finance teams and external advisors.
• Lead the quarterly global tax cash flow forecast.

Skills

Technical tax knowledge

Advanced Excel proficiency

Excellent communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Ability to work independently

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Professional qualification (CTA, CPA, etc.)

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for a hands‑on, proactive, and autonomous tax professional to join our global tax function.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Tax & Transfer Pricing, Finance, this role is pivotal within a fast‑growing multinational operating in 20+ countries, providing technical expertise and ownership of global tax reporting and compliance processes.

You will independently manage and enhance global tax processes, coordinate external advisors, and act as a trusted partner to finance and business teams worldwide.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional who wants to combine strong technical skills with meaningful impact in a mission‑driven organization.

Functions

Global Tax Accounting & Reporting (IFRS)

• Manage the quarterly and year‑end IFRS tax provision, consolidating global data, calculating the provision, and identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Analyze and report on the Group's effective tax rate (ETR) and prepare tax‑related financial statement disclosures.
• Maintain and monitor uncertain tax positions and related documentation.

Global Compliance Management

• Manage the global tax compliance calendar (Corporate Income Tax, VAT, GST, etc.), ensuring timely and accurate submissions across all jurisdictions.
• Coordinate with local finance teams and external advisors, critically reviewing filings and returns for consistency and quality.

Tax Forecasting

• Lead the quarterly global tax cash flow forecast, consolidating inputs from local entities and ensuring alignment with Group reporting.

Tax Advisory & Business Partnering

• Act as the primary contact for corporate tax inquiries, collaborating with Finance, Legal, and Commercial teams.
• Advise on withholding tax implications, cross‑border transactions, and permanent establishment risks, researching relevant tax laws and treaties.
• Support business initiatives with practical and commercially oriented tax advice.

Tax Projects & Process Improvement

• Identify and lead process improvements, automation, and control enhancements within tax reporting and compliance.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation for internal tax positions, coordinating with external advisors as needed.
• Support the Senior Manager, Tax & Transfer Pricing, Finance on strategic and special projects, including implementation and follow‑up.
• Assist in managing tax authority inquiries and audits, ensuring clear communication and timely resolution.

About You

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Requirements

• A professional qualification (CTA, CPA, Dottore Commercialista, or equivalent) is strongly preferred.
• 5–7 years of progressive tax experience, ideally gained in a Big Four firm or within a multinational organization.
• Solid technical knowledge of IFRS tax accounting, Corporate Income Tax (CIT), VAT, and withholding taxes.Proven experience managing multi‑jurisdictional tax compliance processes, preferably with a strong focus on European tax regimes.
• Advanced Excel proficiency (complex formulas, pivot tables, and large datasets) and the ability to drive process improvements and automation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage complex, end‑to‑end processes with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, positive, and solution‑oriented mindset.
• Familiarity with UK, US, or Netherlands tax systems.
• Flexible working style, comfortable operating across multiple time zones (Europe, the Americas, APAC) and managing virtual collaboration.
• Proven ability to perform under pressure in a fast‑paced, dynamic, international environment.
• Fluent in English (C1 level or higher) – all work is conducted in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Swiss tax matters is a strong advantage.
• Experience in the carbon credit market or environmental advisory industry is a plus.
• Prior exposure to transfer pricing concepts or willingness to support TP processes and documentation.
• Additional languages (German, French, or Spanish) are an asset.

Department

Corporate Services

Locations

Cape Town, South Africa

Remote status

Hybrid