Operations Director - Tax Services

Sonata One; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

Life Insurance

Income Protection

Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Adoption Leave

Wellness Budget

Career Training & Development

Paid Volunteering Day

Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & AD

Job summary

A global fintech organization is seeking an experienced Operations Director – Tax Services to lead operational excellence in South Africa. Responsible for managing tax services delivery, the ideal candidate will combine strategic leadership with hands-on management. Key qualifications include extensive knowledge of tax operations and a strong ability to enhance service delivery. The position offers a collaborative culture and benefits such as comprehensive insurance, a wellness budget, and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Understands FATCA/CRS and US withholding within private markets.
• Leads operational teams against strict deadlines.
• Implements operational improvements and workflow optimisation.
• Proven ability to combine strategic thinking with operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Develop operational strategy for tax services.
• Ensure service delivery meets SLAs and quality standards.
• Monitor operational metrics for data-led decision making.

Skills

Tax operations understanding

Operational team leadership

Technology solutions management

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Taxation, Finance, or a related discipline

Tools

Tax tech platforms

Workflow automation

Job description

Sonata One is a rapidly scaling, regulated fund services and technology (fintech) business. We're The Private Funds Clearinghouse, connecting more than 53,000 investors with 6,500 funds and 180 fund managers around the globe. Our vision is to change the paradigm of private markets investing through harmonising the end-to-end investment process within one platform. Investors benefit from a seamless, one & done experience across the fund lifecycle (from fund selection and subscription through to settlement and reporting) underpinned by a globally compliant KYC passport and 24/7 support. Fund managers can raise capital faster at a lower cost from a wider pool of pre-approved investors. Founded in 2015, Sonata One has a presence in eight locations worldwide including the US, UK and Luxembourg, Guernsey, South Africa and Mauritius.

We operate as #OneGlobalThread in line with our values: We challenge the norm, we change the way we think and work, by connecting systems and people, while committing to our vision and each other. We are now looking to recruit an experienced Operations Director – Tax Services to join our global team.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Operations Director – Tax Services to drive operational excellence across our tax function. The role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on operational management to ensure services are delivered efficiently, consistently, and in line with client expectations and regulatory requirements.

You will oversee service performance, develop scalable operational processes to enhance service offerings, such as Automatic Exchange of Information and withholding tax obligations while acting as a subject matter expert (SME) in tax operations, supporting service innovation and client growth.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• As the Subject Matter Expert, develop and implement the operational strategy for tax services in alignment with Sonata One’s goals.
• Identify opportunities to enhance service delivery, improve scalability, and drive operational efficiencies.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to support growth initiatives and expansion of tax service offerings.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure service delivery aligns with defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and internal quality standards, staying informed on complex regulatory developments and industry best practice.
• Responsible for the timely, accurate and complete Operational Tax reporting to tax authorities across all relevant fund jurisdictions.
• Responsible for management and delivery of relevant tax documentation processes as required for both AEOI and US Withholding tax purposes.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimise workflows, automation, and operational processes, maintaining and improving a comprehensive control framework for tax operations.
• Monitor operational metrics and performance dashboards to drive data‑led decision making.
• Develop strategies to optimise utilisation of tax staff across the platform, driving adoption and effective use of internal platforms and operational tools.

Client Service & Relationship Development

• Work closely with client relationship teams to ensure exceptional service delivery and a high‑quality client experience.
• Support initiatives and the new logo team to increase client wallet share and revenue, identifying opportunities to expand tax services.
• Contribute to maintaining and improving our Client Net Promoter Score (NPS) through consistent, high‑quality service delivery.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• SLA Compliance: Consistent achievement of defined service delivery timelines and quality standards.
• Client Net Promoter Score (NPS): Maintain and improve client satisfaction and advocacy levels.
• Client Wallet Share Growth: Expansion of tax services across existing client relationships.
• Service Development: Contribution to development and adoption of new tax service offerings.
• Operational Efficiency: Improved platform utilisation and productivity across tax team.

Qualifications

• Thorough understanding of tax operations within private markets, including FATCA/CRS and US withholding.
• Demonstrated experience leading operational teams and service delivery functions against strict deadlines.
• Track record of managing technology solutions for Operational Taxes.
• Proven ability to combine strategic thinking with operational execution.
• Experience managing SLA‑driven service environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and client relationship skills.
• Experience implementing operational improvements, platforms, or workflow optimisation.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and leadership capabilities.
• Client‑focused with a commitment to service excellence.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Taxation, Finance, or a related discipline (BCom Accounting, BCom Taxation, or equivalent) preferred.

Being part of Sonata One provides a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values innovation and diversity. We believe in the power of our unique mission and we all work together towards that one single goal. We also believe in being real. We’re not a big corporate. Everyone has an important role to fulfil, and your contribution will be an integral part of our success story.

• Private Medical Insurance – Comprehensive coverage to support your health.
• Life Insurance – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• Income Protection – Financial support when you need it most.
• Annual Leave – With extra days that grow the longer you’re with us.
• Pension Scheme – Employee matched helping you plan confidently for the future.
• Wellness Budget – Investing in your health with a gym membership.
• Employee Assistance Program – Confidential, 24/7 support for life’s ups and downs.
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Adoption Leave – Because family matters.
• Career Training & Development – Ongoing learning opportunities to help you grow.
• Paid Volunteering Day – Take time to give back to causes you care about.