Senior Manager - Individual & Expatriate Compliance (Gauteng) at BDO South Africa

Description

• This role is responsible for the leadership and management of the Individuals, Trusts, Estates and Expatriate Compliance function within the Tax Department. The incumbent will oversee client service delivery, technical quality, people management, operational efficiency and business development within the scope of the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of expatriate and individual and trust tax clients.
• Act as primary relationship manager for key and VIP clients.
• Deliver high-quality advisory and compliance services within agreed timelines.
• Provide proactive tax planning opportunities and risk management solutions.
• Attend client meetings and present technical tax matters clearly and commercially.

Oversee preparation and review of:

• Individual income tax returns
• Provisional tax calculations
• Foreign income disclosures
• Foreign tax credit calculations
• Residency analyses
• Cessation of residency applications
• Double Tax Agreement (DTA) applications
• Section 10(1)(o)(ii) exemption assessments

Advise on:

• South African tax residency implications
• Global mobility structures
• Cross-border remuneration
• Offshore investments and foreign pensions
• Tax implications of emigration and repatriation
• Manage SARS queries, verifications, audits, and disputes.
• Review and approve responses to SARS correspondence.
• Liaise directly with SARS on escalated matters.
• Oversee objection and appeal processes where required.

Technical Responsibilities

Maintain strong knowledge of:

• South African Income Tax Act
• Tax Administration Act
• Exchange control regulations
• International tax principles
• Double Tax Agreements
• SARS interpretation notes and practice
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members.
• Conduct internal technical training sessions.
• Assist with development of internal processes and compliance controls.

People Management Responsibilities

• Manage workflow allocation and turnaround times.
• Review work prepared by managers and junior staff.
• Monitor productivity, recoverability, and work-in-progress management.
• Conduct performance reviews and staff coaching.
• Assist with recruitment and onboarding of team members.

Financial and Operational Responsibilities

• Manage budgets, billing, and recoverability targets.
• Monitor debtor collections and client profitability.
• Ensure adherence to internal risk and quality control procedures.
• Identify efficiencies and process improvements within the compliance function.

Business Development Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for additional services within existing client portfolios.
• Support proposal preparation and fee discussions.
• Build and maintain professional networks and referral relationships.
• Contribute to thought leadership articles and client communications.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• BCom degree
• Postgraduate qualification in Tax or BCom Honours would be advantageous

Experience and Professional Registration

• Membership of the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT)
• Registered Tax Practitioner
• A minimum of 15 years’ relevant tax experience
• A minimum of 5 years’ managerial experience in a tax advisory or professional services environment

Required Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement
• Strong focus on risk management, quality control and compliance processes
• Strong technical tax capability
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Demonstrated leadership and people management capability
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Strategic and commercial thinking ability
• Comprehensive knowledge of tax compliance processes, including systems, e-Filing, SARS liaison and deadline management
• Sound knowledge of South African income tax legislation
• Proactive, confident and solutions-driven approach
• Strong delivery focus and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative team player with strong relationship-building ability