Overview
We’re recruiting an experienced Indirect Tax Lead to join a Cape Town–based team.This role sits at the centre of indirect tax across South African operations, covering compliance, strategy, and risk, with a strong focus on customs and excise. You’ll play a key role in ensuring everything is aligned with local and international regulations, while also driving efficient, well-structured tax practices.
It’s a great fit for someone who brings depth in indirect tax and enjoys working in an environment where their input has real impact.
A strong opportunity to step into a role that combines technical expertise with strategic influence.
Responsibilities
Financial Perspective
Ensuring the timely and accurate preparation, filing, and payment of VAT, excise duties, fuel levies, customs duties, and environmental taxes.
Overseeing reconciliation processes for all indirect tax accounts to ensure alignment with financial reporting.
Managing tax audits and liaising with tax authorities, including providing appropriate documentation and responses to queries.
Maintaining and enhancing internal controls to ensure full compliance with indirect tax obligations.
Customer Perspective
Providing expert advice on indirect tax implications, particularly customs and excise duties, for new business initiatives, contracts, and supply chain structures.
Monitoring and interpreting legislative changes, advising senior leadership on potential business impacts.
Identifying and implementing strategies to mitigate tax risks and optimize tax positions.
Collaborating with legal, finance, and commercial teams to ensure tax-efficient business operations.
Acting as the key liaison with SARS and other regulatory bodies regarding indirect tax matters, including customs and excise regulations.
Representing the company in external tax forums and contributing to thought leadership on indirect taxation in the oil sector.
Internal Processes
Leading automation initiatives to improve efficiency in tax compliance and reporting processes.
Working closely with IT and finance teams to enhance ERP systems for accurate indirect tax treatment.
Developing and maintaining tax training programs for internal stakeholders to ensure compliance awareness.
Leading and mentoring a team of three direct reports, providing guidance, training, and performance management.
Fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture to drive tax excellence.
Qualifications
Education and Professional Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Taxation, Finance, or a related field (postgraduate tax qualification preferred).
Professional accreditation (e.g., SAICA, SAIT, CIMA) is advantageous.
Experience
Minimum of 8 years of experience in indirect tax, with at least 4 years in a senior or leadership role within the oil & gas sector or a similar regulated industry.
In-depth knowledge of South African VAT legislation, excise duties, fuel levies, customs duties, and other relevant tax laws.
Experience working with multinational tax structures and cross-border transactions is a plus.
Proven experience in managing tax audits, liaising with SARS, and handling tax disputes.
Skills and Competencies
Strategic thinker with the ability to align tax strategy with business objectives.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Proficiency in tax technology and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines.
If you are a results-driven professional with a passion for indirect taxation and a proven track record in leadership, we encourage you to apply and become a part of this team.