Manager: Interpretative Tax Policy

The South African Revenue Service (SARS), within its Taxpayer Engagement division, is advertising a vacancy for a Manager: Interpretative Tax Policy. This role is central to the organisation's purpose of serving the public by ensuring that tax law is interpreted and applied consistently and fairly. The successful candidate will act as a recognised subject matter expert on personal income tax, pay-as-you-earn, donations tax and estate duty. This involves interpreting legislation, writing and reviewing opinions, conducting in-depth research, and applying tax law to practical scenarios. The work directly contributes to reducing the tax gap and supporting government's tax compliance strategy, as the manager will lead a small team of consultants responsible for formulating official SARS policy and practice in these specific tax areas.

Candidates need a strong academic and professional foundation. A relevant Bachelor's degree such as an LLB, BProc, BCom Law or BCom, or an Advanced Diploma in Taxation at NQF level 7, is required. This must be combined with eight to ten years of experience in a tax technical, tax legal or tax consulting environment, of which at least three to four years should be at junior management level. Alternatively, applicants with a Senior Certificate at NQF level 4 and fifteen years of relevant experience in the same fields, again including three to four years at junior management level, will also be considered. The role demands sound judgement, strong business acumen, and the ability to operate under limited supervision while managing complex technical and team responsibilities.

The duties are broad and encompass operational, governance, people, finance and client functions. Operationally, the manager drives tactical implementation, controls and optimises budgeted resources, and ensures delivery plans are translated into measurable results. They must coordinate interdependent activities, set priorities and standards, and proactively identify problems to develop and implement best-fit solutions. Regular performance reporting is required, with insights used to realign tactical plans and objectives. The manager also recommends improvements to processes, systems and policies, and communicates policy changes timeously to stakeholders. In governance, the role involves implementing risk and compliance frameworks, managing policy application, and addressing governance exposure. People management includes developing capacity plans, identifying development needs, and translating performance expectations into clear metrics and goals. Financial duties require drawing up budgets, monitoring planned versus actual expenditure, and ensuring financial control and cost efficiency. Client-focused responsibilities involve building collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, implementing service level agreements, and fostering an integrated service excellence culture.

Beyond technical expertise, the ideal candidate will demonstrate fairness, transparency, analytical thinking, accountability, honesty, integrity, trust, respect, and strong problem-solving abilities. Leadership competencies are also vital, including the ability to translate strategy into execution, develop teams, inspire positive action, nurture future talent, and manage diversity. Change management, decisiveness, effective business communication, and a strong results orientation are essential. The role also requires legal knowledge and ethics, policy development, tax knowledge, managerial budgeting, and planning and organisation skills. The position is based in Gauteng, with a choice of the Randburg or Pretoria office. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned tax professional looking to contribute to the integrity and effectiveness of South Africa's tax system while leading a dedicated team.