Tax & VAT Compliance Specialist

Smith Garb and Associates CC; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A large, fast-paced organisation is seeking an experienced Tax & VAT Compliance professional for a temporary maternity cover assignment. The role requires immediate availability and strong hands-on experience in VAT, tax compliance, and statutory reporting. Responsibilities include preparing VAT returns, ensuring compliance with legislation, and managing VAT audits. Candidates should have a background in a large corporate environment, advanced Excel skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing VAT audits and SARS queries.
• Solid understanding of imports and exports VAT treatment.
• Experience drafting or supporting financial statements.

Responsibilities

• Preparation, review, and submission of VAT returns.
• Ensuring compliance with SARS VAT legislation.
• Management and support of VAT audits and queries.

Skills

Strong hands-on experience in VAT and tax compliance

Advanced Excel skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Confident communication skills

Job description

A large, fast-paced organisation is seeking an experienced Tax & VAT Compliance professional for a temporary maternity cover assignment. The role supports South African and Sub-Saharan African entities and requires strong hands‑on experience in VAT, tax compliance, and statutory reporting within a high‑volume corporate environment. The assignment carries a catch‑up and remediation focus. The successful candidate will be responsible for restoring compliance, supporting VAT audits, and strengthening internal controls.

THIS ROLE REQUIRES IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY.

Key Responsibilities

Tax & VAT Compliance

• Preparation, review, and submission of VAT returns for SA and Sub‑Saharan entities
• Ensuring compliance with SARS VAT legislation, including imports and exports
• Assessment of VAT claimability, zero‑rating, and supporting documentation
• Management and support of VAT audits, queries, and SARS engagements
• Identification of VAT risks, exposures, and compliance gaps

Statutory & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensuring CIPC compliance across group entities (annual returns, amendments, director changes, statutory updates)
• Monitoring statutory deadlines and ensuring accurate submissions
• Assisting with the preparation and review of financial statements for compliance purposes

Catch‑Up & Control Environment

• Reviewing historical VAT and statutory compliance
• Reconciling discrepancies and bringing all entities fully up to date
• Implementing compliance trackers, reconciliations, and control schedules

Reporting & Stakeholder Interaction

• Maintaining Excel‑based control schedules and reconciliations
• Preparing compliance reports for finance and senior stakeholders
• Liaising with auditors, tax advisors, and internal finance teams

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

• Strong, hands‑on experience in VAT and tax compliance
• Background in a large corporate or group environment
• Proven experience managing VAT audits and SARS queries
• Solid understanding of imports and exports VAT treatment
• Experience drafting or supporting financial statements
• Advanced Excel skills (reconciliations, large data sets, internal controls)

Advantageous

• Exposure to Sub‑Saharan African entities
• Experience in imports/export, logistics, or trading environments
• Prior involvement in compliance remediation or catch‑up assignments

Key Attributes

• Highly detail‑oriented with a strong compliance focus
• Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment
• Able to work independently and manage tight deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Confident communicator with auditors and senior stakeholders