Tax Debt And Accounting Senior Specialist

Latita Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Tax Debt and Accounting Senior Specialist to handle complex tax matters and accounting responsibilities while providing strategic advice to clients. The ideal candidate will have experience in tax resolution, compliance issues with SARS, and a strong knowledge of South African tax laws. This role offers an opportunity to significantly impact client financial success and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in tax debt resolution or financial accounting.
• Proficient knowledge of South African tax legislation.
• Experience with SARS interactions.

Responsibilities

• Manage tax debt exposure with SARS and negotiate payment arrangements.
• Prepare and submit formal SARS representations.
• Reconcile tax accounts and oversee financial statements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Taxation, or Finance

Tools

SARS eFiling

Microsoft Excel

QuickBooks

CaseWare

Xero

Sage

Job description

Company Description

Latita Africa is a pioneering Pan-African firm at the forefront of driving growth across the African continent. We specialize in providing comprehensive services in tax, legal, advisory, and tax debt management, combining deep industry insight with innovative strategies. Our services include corporate tax planning, individual tax compliance, commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, and risk assurance. We help clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes and offer strategic advice in treasury management, financial accounting, and forensic investigations. Headquartered in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area, we provide robust support for businesses looking to expand into African markets.

Location: Woodmead, JHB (In-Office)

Experience Required: 3+ years in tax, accounting, & tax debt resolution

Department: Accounting / Tax Advisory

Reports To: Line Manager

Language Requirements: Bilingual (English & Afrikaans)

Applicants must be proficient in both English and Afrikaans

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Tax Debt and Accounting Senior Specialist to manage complex tax debt matters, SARS engagements, and accounting responsibilities for individuals and businesses. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge of the South African tax system, including the Tax Administration Act, VAT Act, and Income Tax Act, and have practical experience resolving tax debt and compliance issues with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

Key Responsibilities:

Tax Debt Management:

• Assess and manage client tax debt exposure with SARS
• Negotiate payment arrangements, suspension of payment applications, and compromise agreements
• Prepare and submit formal SARS representations and objections
• Monitor and follow up on SARS correspondence and payment schedules

Tax Compliance & Accounting:

• Reconcile tax accounts (PAYE, VAT, Income Tax, etc) and ensure accurate submissions
• Oversee the preparation of annual financial statements and monthly management of client accounts
• Maintain accurate general ledger and tax ledgers
• Assist with tax computations and submissions for companies, trusts, and individuals

Client Advisory & Support:

• Advise clients on SARS notices, penalties, and enforcement actions (e.g. garnishee orders, final demands, etc)
• Support clients in audits, verifications, and risk reviews initiated by SARS
• Liaise with legal, accounting, and audit teams where required

Operational Efficiency:

• Ensure compliance with SARS filing deadlines and internal SLAs
• Use accounting and tax platforms (e.g., SARS eFiling, QuickBooks, CaseWare)
• Identify process improvements in tax debt resolution and financial reporting

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Taxation, or Finance (BCom or equivalent)
• 3+ years’ experience minimum, in tax debt resolution, SARS interaction, or financial accounting
• Proficient in SARS eFiling, Microsoft Excel, and accounting software (Xero, Sage, or similar)
• Sound knowledge of South African tax legislation
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple client portfolios

Should you not meet and/or exceed these requirements, please refrain from applying.

Preferred:

• SAIT or SAICA/SAIPA affiliation (completed)
• Experience working in a tax consultancy or legal/accounting practice
• Familiarity with SARS dispute resolution procedures and alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

Salary Range:

Market-related.

Please forward your application and CV [e-mail]

Should you not hear back from us within 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.