Senior Manager Associate Director Transaction Tax

EY Studio+ Nederland; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 90 000 - 130 000; Full time

Job summary

A global professional services firm is seeking a Senior Manager for its Transaction Tax team in Johannesburg. The role involves leading complex buy and sell transactions for corporate clients, advising on tax structuring and compliance, and developing a high-performing team. Candidates should have a CA(SA) qualification, strong experience in M&A-related tax, and excellent leadership skills. The company offers competitive compensation and a dynamic work environment focused on professional development.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Global experience

Comprehensive wellness benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in corporate M&A or transaction tax within relevant environments.
• Proven ability in tax due diligence and deal structuring.
• Managing budgets, projects, and teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex engagements in buy-side and sell-side transactions.
• Provide insights on structuring and due diligence.
• Review and advise on transaction documentation and tax exposures.
• Collaborate with global teams on cross-border tax considerations.
• Mentor and develop team members to ensure excellence.

Skills

Leading multi-disciplinary teams

Corporate and transaction tax knowledge

Analytical writing

Commercial acumen

Relationship building

Education

CA(SA) or equivalent qualification

Job description

Location: Johannesburg / Cape Town / Durban

Service Line: Tax Transaction Tax

Level: Senior Manager Associate Director

At EY we shape your future with confidence.

We help you thrive in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. Join EY and help us build a better working world.

Our Transaction Tax team sits at the heart of EY's Tax practice – advising leading local and multinational organisations, private equity funds and investors on complex acquisitions, disposals, restructurings and capital market transactions.

As a Senior Manager you'll play a pivotal role in helping clients unlock value, manage risk and navigate the tax implications of their most strategic decisions. You'll collaborate closely with senior leaders and some of the most recognised tax minds in the profession while developing the next generation of high‑performing professionals around you.

The opportunity

EY's Transaction Tax practice is growing rapidly and supports a dynamic market where tax is increasingly central to deal strategy and execution.

You’ll be part of a team that advises on all stages of the transaction lifecycle, from due diligence and structuring to post‑deal integration and internal reorganisations. The role offers exceptional breadth and visibility working across sectors and borders on landmark deals shaping South Africa's economic landscape.

Your key responsibilities

• Lead complex engagements across buy‑side and sell‑side transactions for both corporate and private equity clients.
• Advise on structuring, due diligence and modelling, providing commercially focused tax insights and identifying value opportunities.
• Review transaction documentation (including sale agreements, merger terms and financing structures) and provide technical input on tax exposures and mitigations.
• Collaborate with cross‑border teams coordinating global advice and integrating international tax considerations.
• Coach and develop your team, ensuring technical excellence and high‑quality client delivery.
• Contribute to business development and thought leadership by staying abreast of emerging trends in corporate and international tax.

Skills and attributes for success

• Proven ability to lead multi‑disciplinary teams and manage complex engagements.
• Strong technical knowledge of corporate and transaction tax, including restructurings and M&A‑related issues.
• Deep understanding of South African tax legislation and awareness of international principles impacting cross‑border deals.
• Strong analytical writing and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Commercial acumen and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.

To qualify for the role you must have

• CA(SA) Admitted Attorney or equivalent professional qualification.
• Relevant experience in corporate M&A or transaction tax within a law firm, professional services or in‑house advisory environment.
• Demonstrated experience in tax due diligence, deal structuring and post‑acquisition planning.
• Proven experience managing budgets, projects and people.

Ideally you'll also have

• Experience advising private equity and multinational clients.
• Exposure to cross‑border tax structuring or international tax planning.
• A passion for mentoring, developing talent and sharing technical knowledge.

What we look for

We’re seeking a curious, commercially minded leader – someone who thrives on challenge, values collaboration and takes ownership of delivering exceptional client outcomes. If you’re a natural problem‑solver with the confidence to challenge and the insight to influence, this is your next step.

What we offer

At EY you’ll join an environment that’s both high‑performing and human. We’ll equip you with future‑focused skills, global experience and the flexibility to thrive in a world that’s always changing.

You’ll be supported by an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and rewards performance. Our Total Rewards programme includes competitive compensation, access to world‑class learning, comprehensive wellness benefits and opportunities to contribute to EY’s broader purpose in society.

Join us and you’ll help shape the future of tax – for our clients, our communities and your career.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today. EY accepts applications for this position on an ongoing basis.