Group VAT Accountant (Durban North) at Aspen Pharma Group

Description

• To manage and execute South African VAT operations and compliance processes, ensuring accurate VAT reporting, robust reconciliations, and strong internal controls. The role supports the Group Head of Tax Operations by strengthening the VAT control environment, reducing VAT leakage, improving audit outcomes, and embedding operational excellence across South African entities/Foreign SA VAT registrations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare, review and submit accurate monthly VAT201 returns.
• Perform detailed monthly VAT reconciliations and resolve reconciling items.
• Manage customs and import VAT reviews and reconciliations.
• Coordinate and respond to SARS VAT verifications and audits.
• Identify VAT risks, leakage, and control weaknesses and drive corrective actions.
• Maintain and enhance VAT processes, templates, and control checks.
• Engage with Finance, Supply chain and business as needed, to ensure VAT accuracy.
• Oversee SA entities in the groups VAT compliance, reporting, and strategy, ensuring adherence to local and international regulations while optimizing cash flow.
•  Managing internal audits and assisting with external SARS audits.
• Provide expert advice on the VAT implications of business transactions and projects.
•  Identify, mitigate, and manage VAT risks to prevent compliance issues.
• Implement, maintain, and improve VAT processes, reporting tools, and ERP systems.
• Maximize VAT recovery and identify potential tax-saving opportunities. 
• Update the Global Tax compliance tracker and support with VAT reporting.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• BCom (Accounting) or equivalent.
• Postgraduate tax or VAT‑specific qualification advantageous.
• 4–7 years VAT compliance experience in a complex, high‑transaction environment.
• Hands‑on experience with VAT201 preparation, reconciliations, and SARS audits.
• Strong technical knowledge of South African VAT legislation.
• Advanced VAT reconciliation skills (input VAT, output VAT, VAT control accounts).
• Experience supporting VAT audits and SARS verifications.
• Advanced Excel and ERP (SAP or similar) exposure.