Indirect Tax Lead at Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd.

• The Indirect Tax Lead will be responsible for managing all aspects of indirect tax compliance, strategy, and risk management for the company’s South African and Botswana operations, with a strong focus on Customs and Excise duties. This role ensures adherence to local and international tax regulations while optimizing tax efficiency. The successful candidate will act as a key business partner, advising on indirect tax implications across commercial transactions, supply chain activities, and operational projects.

Financial Perspective

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation, filing, and payment of VAT, excise duties, fuel levies, customs duties, and environmental taxes.
• Oversee reconciliation processes for all indirect tax accounts, ensuring alignment with financial reporting.
• Manage tax audits and liaise with tax authorities, providing appropriate documentation and responses to queries.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls to ensure full compliance with indirect tax obligations.

Customer Perspective

• Provide expert advice on indirect tax implications, particularly customs and excise duties, for new business initiatives, contracts, and supply chain structures.
• Monitor and interpret legislative changes, advising senior leadership on potential business impacts.
• Identify and implement strategies to mitigate tax risks and optimize tax positions.
• Collaborate with legal, finance, and commercial teams to ensure tax-efficient business operations.
• Act as the key liaison with SARS and other regulatory bodies regarding indirect tax matters, including customs and excise regulations.
• Collaborate with industry groups and professional networks to advocate for favourable tax policy changes.
• Represent the company in external tax forums and contribute to thought leadership on indirect taxation in the oil sector.

Internal Processes

• Lead automation initiatives to improve efficiency in tax compliance and reporting processes.
• Work closely with IT and finance teams to enhance ERP systems for accurate indirect tax treatment.
• Develop and maintain tax training programs for internal stakeholders to ensure compliance awareness
• Lead and mentor a team of three direct reports, providing guidance, training, and performance management.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance organization team culture to drive tax excellence.

Professional Qualification, Certifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Taxation, Finance, or related field; postgraduate tax qualification preferred.
• Professional accreditation (e.g., SAICA, SAIT, CIMA) is advantageous.
• In-depth knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and tax laws

Work Experience:

• Minimum 6 years of experience in indirect tax, with at least 2 years in a senior or leadership role within the Oil & Gas sector or a similar regulated industry.
• In-depth knowledge of South African VAT legislation, excise duties, fuel levies, customs duties, and other relevant tax laws.
• Experience working with multinational tax structures and cross-border transactions is a plus.
• Strong experience in managing tax audits, liaising with SARS, and handling tax disputes.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Experience in Oil and Gas Industry
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proficiency in tax technology and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with report writing.

Application deadline:

• 03 December 2025