Senior Manager / Associate Director - Transaction Tax | Ey South Africa

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A global consulting firm in Johannesburg seeks a Senior Manager in Transaction Tax to lead complex engagements and provide strategic tax insights. Ideal candidates will have a professional qualification and strong experience in corporate and transaction tax, particularly in restructuring and M&A contexts. The role offers significant visibility across sectors and opportunities for coaching and mentoring within the team.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive wellness benefits

Access to world-class learning

Qualifications

• Proven experience in corporate, M&A or transaction tax.
• Experience in tax due diligence and deal structuring.
• Experience advising private equity and multinational clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex buy-side and sell-side engagements.
• Advise on structuring, diligence, and modelling.
• Collaborate with cross-border teams on international tax.

Skills

Leadership of multi-disciplinary teams

Knowledge of corporate and transaction tax

Understanding of South African tax legislation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Commercial acumen

Education

CA(SA) or equivalent professional qualification

Job description

• Location : Johannesburg / Cape Town / Durban
  Service Line : Tax | Transaction Tax
  Level : Senior Manager – Associate Director

Overview

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, supporting 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, often on landmark deals shaping South Africa's economic landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex engagements across buy-side and sell-side transactions for both corporate and private equity clients.
• Advise on structuring, 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 across 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.

Qualifications

• 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, 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.

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. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity.

Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.