Investigator: Digital Forensics at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

Job Purpose

• The purpose of this role will be to investigate fraud related to taxpayer accounts that have been compromised. Due to the digital nature of the fraud, the role will be required to work with large sets of data and utilise data analysis skills to acquire data from the different SARS platforms, analyse, preserve and report on analysis that will withstand legal scrutiny

Education and Experience

• Relevant National Diploma / Advanced Certificate (NQF 6) in Data Analysis/ Forensics/ Investigations AND 5-7 years' experience in a data analysis / fraud / tax / investigations environment, of which 2-3 years ideally at functional specialist level

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 10 years related experience in data analysis / fraud / tax / investigations.

Job Outputs:

Process

• To identify relevant applicable legislation and/or policies adhering to SOPs.
• To assess the allegation from the digital fraud case and determine the data to be downloaded from internal system to start the investigation.
• Collaborate with other internal stakeholders regarding information to be used for the investigation.
• Conduct research on digital fraud related issues to keep abreast with the environment and compile report thereof.
• To process and analyse evidential files as per internal processes and ensure that the case is court ready.
• To report on the investigation findings and attend to any additional work required.
• Accumulate information to review work progress that provides input to reporting, decision making and the identification of improvement opportunities.
• Provide specialist input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and process product and risk optimisation.
• Correctly apply policies, practices, standards, procedures and legislation in the delivery of work outputs.
• 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.
• Draw on own knowledge and experience to diagnose symptoms, causes and possible effects to solve emerging problems.
• Initiate process and procedural change, implement the change and provide guidelines and support related to new requirements as a result of the change.
• Plan for value-added process improvements, initiatives and services to deliver on operational strategy and objectives.
• Accumulate information to review work progress that provides input to reporting, decision making and the identification of improvement opportunities.

Governance

• Implement and provide input into the development of governance, compliance, integrity and ethics processes within area of specialisation.

People

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives.
• Search for, integrate and share new knowledge attained through formal and informal learning opportunities in the execution of your job.

Finance

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

Client

• Liaise with informers and possible witnesses to gather information in connection with tax evasion.
• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, which builds positive relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.
• Provide authoritative, specialist services, expertise and advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Behavioural competencies

• Accountability (V)
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Conceptual Ability
• Fairness and Transparency (V)
• Honesty and Integrity (V)
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Respect (V)
• Trust (V)

Technical competencies

• Collection and preservation of evidence and the chain of custody (Investigations)
• Data analysis skill to analyse data
• Efficiency improvement
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Interviewing and interrogation (Investigations)
• Investigative reporting
• Investigative Skills
• Testify in formal and criminal proceedings when required

Deadline:26th February,2026