Senior Tax Administrator (Individuals & Trusts)
Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Tax Administrator to support the Tax Manager in delivering tax compliance and advisory services to High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and their associated entities, including trusts, companies, and investment structures.
This role requires strong technical expertise in South African tax legislation, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex SARS engagements professionally and efficiently. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing tax compliance processes, preparing and reviewing tax returns, managing SARS interactions, and maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
The role also includes mentoring junior team members, supporting workflow efficiency, and contributing to high service standards within the tax department.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage full tax compliance portfolios for High Net Worth Individuals, primarily trusts, and related entities.
- Prepare and review income tax, provisional tax, capital gains tax (CGT), and donations tax returns.
- Manage SARS engagements, including queries, verifications, audits, objections, and general correspondence.
- Liaise with clients, family office representatives, asset managers, SARS, and internal stakeholders.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping and timely submission of all tax obligations.
- Identify risks, discrepancies, or complex tax matters and escalate where necessary.
- Support Tax Managers with technical tax matters, tax planning, and corporate tax reviews.
- Review work completed by junior staff and provide ongoing guidance and mentorship.
- Assist in improving departmental workflows, processes, and operational efficiency.
- Provide support on corporate tax matters, including VAT and PAYE compliance where required.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of South African tax legislation and SARS processes.
- Advanced tax return preparation and review capabilities.
- Experience managing High Net Worth Individual portfolios, including trusts, companies, and investment structures.
- High level of accuracy and strong attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and client relationship management skills.
- Strong organisational and time management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to mentor junior staff and collaborate effectively with management.
- Proficient in SARS eFiling.
- Experience with Greatsoft Tax is advantageous.
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum 3 years' experience in tax administration, preferably working with High Net Worth Individual portfolios and trusts.
- Registered with a recognised professional body and SARS as a Tax Practitioner.
- Strong technical knowledge of corporate tax, trusts, provisional tax, VAT, and PAYE.
- Proven experience preparing and submitting income tax returns
- Proficiency in SARS eFiling and related tax systems.
- Relevant qualification in Tax, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Required Skills:
Income Tax Legislation Support Capital Client Relationship Management Management Skills Structures Compliance Returns Tax Mentoring Reviews Operational Efficiency Attention To Detail Administration Preparation Accounting Finance Planning Time Management Communication Management