Illicit Economy Investigator at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

Job Purpose

• To conduct illicit trade investigations, under supervision, into tax and customs offences.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• National Diploma in Criminal or Forensic Investigations, Forensic Auditing, Taxation and 2-3 years’ experience in investigations or Investigative Auditing environment, of which 1-2 years ideally at knowledge worker level.

Minimum Functional Requirements

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 5 years related tax investigations experiences

Job Outputs:

Process

• Accumulate information and provide reports with recommendations applicable to area of specialisation
• Apply practical and applied knowledge and act authoritatively on methods, systems and procedures to identify trends and potential risks
• Communication of situational interpretation and judgement of work outputs and queries in area of specialisation
• Effectively plan and schedule own activities to continuously improve quality and service delivery in area of specialisation
• Execute process and procedural change, implement the changes and provide guidelines and support related to new requirements as a result of change
• Provide specialist input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and process product and risk optimisation
• Use practical and applied knowledge and situational judgement to arrive at decisions
• Correctly apply policies, standards, procedures and legislation in the delivery of work outputs.
• Assist fellow investigators when interviewing informers and possible witness to gather information administered by the Commissioner.
• Apply knowledge of the Legal framework relative to the work
• Plan and implement action necessary to conduct investigations without supervision
• Prepare the various reports and records required for the Quarterly performance reviews conducted
• Correctly identify facts in dispute in relation to identified criminal conduct
• Determine offences and recommend appropriate punitive actions according to the relevant legislation
• Plan and organise own work tasks within area work
• Investigate reported wilful acts of non-compliance to SARS legislation
• Appears as a specialist witness in court and attend to court proceedings as and when required
• Provide assistance to other law enforcement agencies as and when required, within the mandate of the Acts administered by SARS
• Prepare accurate links and or association diagrams to explain the relationship between individuals, activities, premises etc, to investigators
• Evaluate, collate and analyse information received from various sources to support internal stakeholders with timely and accurate intelligence

Governance

• Comply to set governance and compliance procedures and processes related to an area of specialisation and continuously identify and escalate risks.

People

• Develop and maintain productive working relationship with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives

Finance

• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures to ensure cost effectives and reduction of financial costs

Client

• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, which builds positive relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service
• Ensure own understanding and adherence to customer service delivery and provide specialist support to meet or exceed customer expectations
• Assist with requests from both the NPA & SAPS in relation to the investigation in accordance with the MOU between SARS, NPA and SAPS.

Behavioural competencies

• Adaptability
• Accountability
• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Building Sustainability
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Conceptual Ability
• Expertise in Context
• Fairness
• Integrity
• Organisational Awareness
• Respect

Technical competencies

• Business Writing Skill
• Criminal Investigation
• Forensic Auditing
• Fraud Investigation
• Investigative Skills
• Legal Knowledge and Knowledge of Ethics
• Verbal Communication

Deadline:8th July,2026