Tax Accountant

Rory Mackie & Associates; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African fashion retailer is seeking an experienced tax specialist to handle complex corporate tax and VAT returns. The ideal candidate will have a BCom degree with a postgraduate specialisation in taxation, alongside 5-8 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include delivering deferred tax calculations, advising on cross-border tax matters, and strengthening tax controls. Strong analytical skills and tax compliance knowledge are essential to excel in this role, offering an opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 - 8 years’ relevant tax experience.
• Multi-jurisdictional or multi-disciplinary experience is an advantage.
• Retail Industry experience would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assume ownership of complex corporate tax and VAT returns.
• Deliver robust deferred tax calculations.
• Advise on cross-border tax matters including transfer pricing.
• Strengthen tax controls and ensure compliance.

Skills

Tax compliance

Analytical thinking

Microsoft Excel

Education

BCom degree with a postgraduate specialisation in Taxation or Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Our client is a leading South African fashion retailer with a well-established reputation in the clothing retail industry. The organisation operates in a fast-paced retail environment and is known for its focus on quality, customer experience, and operational excellence within the fashion and retail space.

They are seeking an experienced and technically grounded tax specialist to join their team and play a pivotal role in shaping tax compliance, strategy, and risk management across multiple jurisdictions.

This role is ideal for a tax professional with demonstrated expertise in Direct, Indirect, or International tax, and who is ready to bridge the technical with the strategic, providing end-to-end solutions that support both statutory compliance and advisory excellence.

They are looking for someone with multi-disciplinary expertise in tax, who can contribute at the intersection of technical delivery and strategic decision-making, bringing their insights to help shape the organisation’s evolving tax narrative.

Responsibilities

• Assume ownership of complex corporate tax and VAT returns, as well as tax advisory deliverables across multiple jurisdictions
• Deliver robust deferred tax calculations and prepare IFRS-aligned tax disclosures for financial reporting
• Advise on cross-border tax matters, including effects of various transaction, transfer pricing, and international tax developments
• Strengthen and embed tax controls, ensuring alignment with group governance objectives
• Support internal tax audits, revenue authority engagements, and litigation processes
• Contribute to board-level reporting, including risk management disclosures and statutory compliance reviews
• Perform research of tax related matters affecting the Group for discussion at the Tax Forum

This role provides a structured pathway for technical and professional growth, including:

• Contribute to a technical centre of excellence, leading subject matter research on key jurisdictions or tax types
• Deliver technical training to internal stakeholders and broader finance teams
• Lead cross-border tax consultations and engagements with group companies
• Draft and refine tax policy notes, procedures, and internal guidance to uplift compliance maturity

Requirements

• BCom degree with a postgraduate specialisation in Taxation or Accounting (e.g. Honours)
• Minimum 5 - 8 years’ relevant tax experience
• Multi-jurisdictional or multi-disciplinary experience an advantage
• Retail Industry experience would be advantageous

Skills and competencies

• Solid understanding of tax compliance and reporting processes, including a working knowledge of applicable tax legislation
• Keen interest in tax accounting, Ability to build or review deferred tax schedules, analyse temporary differences, and apply tax rates accurately
• Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Access), with advanced Excel skills essential

Attributes

• Passionate about tax
• Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset
• Self-starter, highly motivated and able to manage tasks independently
• Capable of working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Positive energy, professionalism, and a solution-driven approach