Senior Tax Practitioner

South Cape Recruitment; Plettenberg Bay; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

South Cape Recruitment in Plettenberg Bay seeks a senior tax professional to manage a diverse client portfolio, including individuals, trusts, companies and close corporations, and to prepare and submit ITRs and provisional tax returns.

You will liaise with SARS, provide tax planning and advisory services, review assessments, mentor juniors, and help refine internal tax processes while staying up to date with South African tax law and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in Taxation, Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Membership with a recognised professional body (SAIT/SAIPA/SAICA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a tax-focused role.
• Strong knowledge of South African tax legislation.
• Experience dealing with SARS.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of tax clients (individuals, trusts, companies, CCs).
• Prepare and submit IT Returns (ITR12, ITR14, Trust Returns).
• Submit Provisional Tax Returns and review assessments.
• Handle objections, appeals and disputes with SARS.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Deadline management

Professionalism

Confidentiality

Client service

Team collaboration

Education

Taxation/Accounting degree

Professional body membership

Tools

MS Office

Tax software

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Tax Compliance & Administration

• Manage a portfolio of individual, trust, company, and close corporation tax clients.
• Prepare and submit Income Tax Returns (ITR12, ITR14, Trust Returns, etc.).
• Complete and submit Provisional Tax Returns.
• Review tax assessments and ensure accuracy.
• Handle objections, appeals, and dispute resolutions with SARS.
• Manage tax registrations, deregistrations, and profile amendments.
• Ensure clients remain compliant with all relevant tax legislation and deadlines.

SARS Liaison

• Act as the primary contact between clients and SARS.
• Resolve SARS queries, audits, verifications, and compliance matters.
• Attend meetings and consultations with SARS where required.
• Monitor and manage outstanding tax matters and assessments.

Tax Advisory

• Provide tax planning and advisory services to individuals and businesses.
• Research and interpret tax legislation and regulatory updates.
• Advise clients on tax-efficient structures and compliance requirements.
• Identify potential tax risks and opportunities for clients.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Provide professional guidance on tax matters.
• Present complex tax information in a clear and practical manner.
• Assist clients with strategic financial and tax decisions.

Team Support & Leadership

• Review work completed by junior staff where applicable.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to tax administrators and trainees.
• Assist in developing and improving internal tax processes.
• Stay current with changes in tax legislation and industry developments.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Taxation, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Membership with a recognised professional controlling body (e.g., SAIT, SAIPA, SAICA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a tax-focused role.
• Strong working knowledge of South African tax legislation.
• Experience dealing directly with SARS.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and tax-related software.
• Valid driver's licence preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Strong client service orientation.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.