Role Overview:

To manage and ensure accurate, timely, and compliant tax submissions and reconciliations for pension funds. The Tax Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining regulatory compliance with SARS and other statutory bodies, resolving tax-related queries, and supporting audit and reporting functions within the Central Functions team.


Key Responsibilities

Tax Compliance & Submissions

• Prepare and submit monthly EMP201 returns and biannual EMP501 reconciliations to SARS.
• Ensure all tax submissions are accurate and submitted within statutory deadlines.
• Maintain up-to-date records of PAYE, UIF, SDL, and other applicable taxes.
• Monitor compliance with Administrative Penalties turnaround on SARS directives.
• Monitor changes in tax legislation and ensure compliance across all fund-related activities.

Reconciliations and Accuracy

• Perform monthly tax reconciliations and ensure alignment with member tax payables, payroll data and fund accounting data.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies between tax records and financial systems. Maintain detailed audit trails and supporting documentation for all tax submissions.

Query Resolution and SARS Engagement

• Respond to SARS queries and correspondence in a timely and professional manner.
• Liaise with SARS on behalf of the organisation to resolve outstanding issues.
• Maintain a log of all SARS interactions and ensure follow-ups are completed.

Reporting and Audit Support

• Provide tax-related data and reports for internal management and external audits.
• Assist in preparing documentation for FSCA reviews and regulatory inspections.
• Support the Manager – Central Functions in compiling tax compliance reports and dashboards.

Control and Risk Management

• Implement and monitor internal controls to ensure tax compliance and mitigate risk.
• Identify potential tax risks and escalate to management with recommended actions.
• Ensure alignment with pension fund regulations and financial governance standards.

Collaboration and Support

• Work closely with Payment and Reconciliation Administrators to ensure tax-related data is accurate and complete.
• Collaborate with Fund Accounting and Payroll teams to ensure consistency in tax reporting.
• Provide guidance and training to internal teams on tax compliance matters.

Essential Knowledge and skills

• Strong knowledge of South African tax legislation, especially SARS requirements for Pension Funds.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in financial data.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines and work under pressure.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in tax systems and financial platforms (e.g., eFiling, EasyFile, Everest and Payroll systems and Advanced Excel).

Qualifications & Experience requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Taxation, Finance, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in tax compliance, preferably within pension funds or financial services.
• Experience with SARS, EasyFile, eFiling and EMP reconciliations.
• Familiarity with FSCA and pension fund regulatory frameworks is advantageous
• Experience in a Retirement Fund Administration system (Preferably EVEREST).