Business Area Lead: Criminal Investigations at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

About the Position

An exciting opportunity is available for an analytically minded, strategically orientated, open-minded, creative thinking and results - driven Business Area Lead.  

A key attribute sought is a passion for driving the Specialised Investigation strategy of business in line with the mandate of the Criminal Investigations division.

The applicant will be responsible for the formulation of the Specialised Investigation tactical strategy and associated implementation plans related to multiple practice areas, managing the business area nationally ensuring practice integration, and operational alignment with SARS’ strategic objectives working with and through stakeholders such as SAPS, DPCI, NPA, FIC in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

This, agile, open-minded, logical, methodical reasoning   professional should be curious about new ways of discovering information and data and making connections with the emphasis being on the delivery of the strategy.  The applicant must have an applied knowledge of the legislative framework governing the investigative mandate of SARS, such as but not limited to the Tax Administration Act, Criminal Procedure Act, POCA and FICA.  This should encompass a practical understanding of the business world, accounting, the regulatory financial framework both locally and internationally, and the use of corporate legal entities in tax avoidance. The ability to Communicate and write effective reports.

Job Purpose

• To formulate a Criminal Investigations tactical strategy and associated delivery plans related to multiple practice areas by managing and conducting criminal investigations in the respective regions, to ensure practice integration and operational implementation through the achievement of enforcement objectives.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Relevant Honours degree (NQF 8) [Investigations, Law, Accounting] AND 10-12 years' experience in an Investigations, Law, Accounting environment, of which 3 years at management level.

ALTERNATIVE #

• Relevant Bachelor's Degree (NQF 7) [Investigations, Law, Accounting] AND 12 - 15 years’ experience in a in an Investigations, Law, Accounting environment of which 3 years at management level.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Develop and execute tactical criminal investigation strategy and delivery plans that are aligned with National criminal investigation Strategy.
• Liaise & coordinate with key stakeholders, NPA in terms of the memorandums of understanding (MOU) between SARS, SAPS & NPA & sub-divisions (Special Investigations Unit (SIU); Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) & Department Special Ops (DSO Scorpions).
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of data on the national case management system (CMS) for criminal investigations.
• Assist and attend to any requests from the NPA, in relation to the said investigation in accordance with the memorandums of understanding (MOU) between NPA, especially the NPA Special Tax Units at national and regional level.
• Oversee and conduct any complex criminal investigations in the regions and report outcomes.
• Implement, monitor and evaluate the quality of criminal investigations performance programmes and recommend changes in line with legislative requirements.
• Implement the performance and documentation of all criminal investigations and the reporting and resolution of any weaknesses and shortcomings. 
• Execute policies, procedures and practise notes in line with all legislation administered by the Commissioner for SARS; the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Act.
• Recommend changes to optimise processes, systems, policies and procedures, and direct the implementation of change and innovation initiated by the organisation.
• Develop tactical strategy and delivery plans in support of functional objectives in partnership with leadership.
• Direct, control, coordinate and optimise budgeted resources to meet specific objectives and deliver agreed results and productivity requirements.
• Ensure the development and implementation of multiple practices in alignment with operational policy and procedural frameworks.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to continuously improve all functions and systems in line with national, regional and organisational changes.
• Plan for handling work outputs, pull together interdependent activities & specify priorities, standards & procedures to ensure tactical excellence.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, determine its impact and use to develop best fit alternatives; driving best practice solutions.
• Provide periodic reports on performance against plan & progress on short-term initiatives & use to realign tactical plan and objectives appropriately.
• Use the insights gained through integrated business reports to measure success & realign tactical strategy development objectives appropriately.

Governance

• Implement governance, risk, and compliance policy in own practice areas to identify and manage governance and risk exposure liability.
• Manage and or advise on policy translation and application in the business area.

People

• Create a positive work climate & culture to energise employees & give meaning to work, minimise work disruption and maximise employee productivity.
• Develop & implement appropriate people capacity plans in line with delivery & efficiency targets, on budget & in partnership with specialised areas.
• Plan & develop enhanced organisational efficiency by identifying and addressing development requirements & providing tools for people resources.
• Translate performance expectations into specific metrics and goals to identify and provide effective services, solve problems, and achieve objectives.

Finance

• Draw up a budget aligned to business unit delivery plans, monitor planned vs. actual, minimise expenditure and report on cost efficiency.
• Implement and monitor financial control,
• Management of costs and corporate governance in area of accountability.

Client

• Build strong relationships and develop service-level agreements that promote SARS with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and ensure implementation of practices which builds service delivery excellence and encourages others to provide exceptional client service.
• Manage an integrated service excellence culture, which builds rewarding relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.

Behavioural competencies

• People Skills
• Developing Others
• Trust
• Respect
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Fairness and Transparency
• Accountability
• Honesty and Integrity
• Conceptual Thinking
• Championing the Mandate
• Influencing Others
• Mobilising Teams
• Driving for Excellence
• Leveraging Diversity
• Accurate Understanding
• Building Sustainability