Tax Technical Research Specialist - Sandton

Catch; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Catch in Johannesburg is seeking a Tax Technical Research Specialist to join its Tax Technical Team. You will advance expertise in reclaiming withholding taxes on dividends and interest, navigating international tax treaties and ECJ case law, and ensuring compliance across jurisdictions.

You will partner with Sales, Client Services, and Operations, develop new service offerings, mentor juniors, and prepare technical content for clients and regulators.

Qualifications

• Honours degree in Accounting, Taxation, Law, or Finance.
• Master's degree in Taxation is a plus.
• Strong analytical and written communication skills.
• Solid understanding of Double Taxation Treaties and ECJ case law.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on international tax treaties, domestic tax laws, and EU directives related to withholding tax reclaims.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Sales, Client Services, Operations) to streamline the claim process and work with external tax advisors as needed.
• Identify opportunities to refine technical methodologies and contribute to new service offerings and markets.
• Prepare cover letters for reclaims and review complex claim documentation for compliance with tax authority requirements.
• Provide expert guidance to clients on withholding tax recovery strategies and claim eligibility.
• Draft and review responses to tax authority queries on technical matters and train junior staff on tax recovery topics.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Tax treaties

EU tax regs

ECJ case law

Taxation principles

Education

Honours degree in Accounting

Master's degree in Taxation

Job description

ROLE OVERVIEW

As a Tax Technical Research Specialist, you will be a key part of the company’s Tax Technical Team, contributing to their expertise in reclaiming withholding taxes on dividends and interest. This role requires strong analytical skills, a comprehensive understanding of international tax treaties and regulations, and the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. This role involves close collaboration with internal teams and external advisors to ensure optimal success in withholding tax reclaims. Department: Tax Technical

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technical Expertise – Conduct in-depth research on international tax treaties, domestic tax laws, and EU directives relevant to withholding tax reclaims. Stay abreast of global tax developments, including ECJ case law and legislative changes impacting withholding tax recovery, and implement necessary adjustments to processes.
• Collaboration – Work closely with internal teams, including Sales, Client Services, and Operations, to streamline and improve the claim process. Partner with external tax advisors and legal experts as needed to strengthen claims and address challenges.
• Process Improvement & Development – Identify and implement opportunities to refine the company’s technical methodologies. Contribute to the development of new service offerings and expand the firm’s reach into new reclaim markets and types. Perform in-depth research on specific claim territories and integrate claim development findings into the existing business model to optimize the claim process. Conduct thorough market research to identify profitable jurisdictions and provide insights to guide the business’s strategic direction.
• Claims Support – As needed, assist in preparing cover letters for withholding tax reclaims, outlining the legal arguments for comparability that support the claims. Review claim documentation for certain complex cases on an ad-hoc basis, ensuring accuracy and compliance with local tax authority requirements.
• Client-Facing Support – Provide expert technical guidance to current and prospective clients on withholding tax recovery strategies and claim eligibility. Effectively communicate complex tax concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Tax Office Queries – Assist in resolving technical queries from tax authorities to ensure compliance and claim accuracy. Draft and review responses to queries from tax authorities, particularly on technical matters.
• Training & Knowledge Sharing – Train and mentor junior team members on technical aspects of tax recovery. Prepare and deliver presentations on relevant tax developments. Assist in the creation of tax technical content for internal and external publication.

REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifications & Experience – Honours degree in Accounting, Taxation, Law, Finance, or a related field. A master’s degree (e.g. master’s in taxation) is a plus.
• Experience & Skills – Technical Knowledge: strong understanding of taxation principles, with a focus on Double Taxation Treaties, EU tax regulations, and ECJ case law preferred. Analytical Skills: ability to interpret complex legal documents and tax regulations. Communication: exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information for diverse audiences.
• Personal Attributes – Teamwork: excellent collaboration skills, with a proactive approach to problem-solving. Attention to Detail: high level of accuracy in research, documentation, and execution.