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

Job Purpose

• To provide strategic and operational leadership for the Criminal Investigations: Integrated Stream, delivering integrated, intelligence-led criminal investigations that dismantle complex tax-crime, combat multi-entity tax offences and associated illicit financial activities and money‑laundering schemes, secure prosecution-ready evidence, and strengthen collaboration across SARS divisions and key law‑enforcement partners—advancing SARS’ mandate to enforce responsibly and decisively and make non‑compliance hard and costly.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Require

• 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.

Minimum Functional Requirements

• None

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.

Advert Closing Date: 03 March 2026