Tax Consultant

A growing professional services firm based in Pretoria, Gauteng is adding a Tax Consultant to its team. The successful candidate will play a central role in the day-to-day success of the team.

You will enjoy modern facilities and the equipment needed to do the job well. Strong performers can expect clear paths to greater responsibility. We would love to see your CV if this role speaks to you.

Discretion and confidentiality are essential given the sensitive nature of the work.

Responsibilities

Statutory Compliance & Tax

• Prepare and submit accurate VAT returns via SARS eFiling within prescribed deadlines, reconciling the VAT control account to the general ledger and maintaining supporting documentation for audit verification and tax authority inspections.
• Coordinate year-end audits by preparing comprehensive audit files, compiling working papers, responding to auditor queries promptly and accurately, and facilitating timely sign-off of annual financial statements with an unqualified audit opinion.
• Assist with the preparation of provisional tax computations biannually and the annual income tax return, liaising with external tax practitioners to ensure full compliance with the Income Tax Act and minimising risk of penalties.
• Handle the preparation and submission of PAYE, UIF, and SDL returns to SARS on a monthly basis, ensuring employee tax deductions and employer contributions are correctly calculated, reconciled, and remitted within statutory deadlines.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Automate recurring journal entries, reconciliation templates, and management report generation using advanced Excel functionality and accounting system capabilities to streamline month-end close processes and reduce manual effort.
• Participate in system upgrade and implementation projects by testing financial modules, validating data migration accuracy, and providing user acceptance feedback to the project team to ensure a smooth transition to new systems.
• Conduct regular reviews of accounts payable and receivable processes to identify control weaknesses, reduce processing errors, and implement improvements that enhance operational efficiency while reducing fraud risk and financial losses.

Requirements

• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail with ability to identify and correct discrepancies in large volumes of financial data.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills to prioritise tasks effectively during peak reporting periods such as month-end.
• Proficiency in accounting software such as Sage, Pastel, or Xero, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables and VLOOKUPs.
• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and International Financial Reporting Standards in South Africa.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing and submitting VAT returns via eFiling and maintaining knowledge of tax legislation changes.
• A minimum of two to three years of practical accounting experience with exposure to the full accounting cycle in a commercial environment.

Qualifications