Hot Jobs at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

Job Purpose

• To plan and execute the development of data-driven solutions through understanding of business requirements and be responsible for data extraction, analysis, and reporting within the organisation, including fulfilling the functions of advanced analytics.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required 

• Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Statistics/Mathematical Sciences, Computer Sciences/Information Technology/Data Science/Economics with 5-7 years' experience in a data analytics/data science/mathematical sciences/research environment, of which 2-3 years are at a technically skilled level. Knowledge of tax products will be an added advantage.

Alternative #

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) with 10 years of related experience in a data analytics/data science/mathematical sciences/research environment/economics, of which 2 - 3 years at a technically skilled level. Knowledge of tax products will be an added advantage.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Accumulate information to review work progress that provides input to reporting, decision-making, and the identification of improvement opportunities.
• 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 the area of specialisation.
• Correctly apply policies, practices, standards, procedures and legislation in the delivery of work outputs.
• Draw on your 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 because of the change.
• Plan for value-added process improvements, initiatives, and services to deliver on operational strategy and objectives.
• Execute specialist input through investigation & opportunities within the product process, including risk concern. 
• Provide specialist input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and process product and risk optimisation.
• To acquire data from primary or secondary data sources and maintain databases, applying the knowledge of data extraction, transformation, and business modelling.
• To perform “intermediate” business analysis using various techniques, e.g., statistical analysis, explanatory and predictive modelling, and data mining.
• To design, develop and test medium to complex data analytics solutions like Reports, Dashboards, Analysis, Extracts, Models, etc.
• To identify, analyse and interpret trends and patterns in medium- to complex-data sets, based on data findings.
• Communicate the results of their analysis and findings by using medium- to complex-data visualisation techniques with both internal and external customers.
• To ensure the availability of existing data analytics solutions (like reports, etc.) by maintaining them as well as improving them where shortcomings exist.
• To research best practices and supports developing the solutions and recommendations for the current business operations
• To assist in the filtering and “cleaning” of imported data by reviewing computer reports, printouts, and performance indicators to locate and correct code problems.

Governance

• Ensure that completed work adheres to relevant policies, procedures, governance, and legislative requirements, and report on deviations and discrepancies.
• Implement and provide input into the development of governance, compliance, integrity, and ethics processes within the 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

• 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
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Conceptual Ability
• Expertise in Context
• Fairness and Transparency
• Honesty and Integrity
• Organisational Awareness
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Respect
• Trust

Technical Competencies

• Business Knowledge
• Computer Literacy
• Data Analysis
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Data Management
• Database Design and Management
• Efficiency improvement
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Information management
• Knowledge Management
• Reporting
• Statistical and Mathematical Analysis
• Technical Expertise

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Job Purpose

• You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies for creating data-driven solutions by understanding business requirements. You will build in-house models by ensuring the availability of high-quality data and actively engaging with stakeholders through discussions and meetings to drive successful delivery.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) AND 8-10 years' experience in Data Analytics, Data Engineering, Data Science, Statistics/Mathematical Science/Economic Sciences, or Research, of which 3-4 years at a junior specialist level.

Alternative #

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 15 years' experience in Data Analytics, Data Engineering, Data Science, Statistics/Mathematical Science/Economic Sciences, or Research, of which 3-4 years at a junior specialist level.

Minimum Functional Requirements

• Experience in Data Engineering / Business Data Intelligence / Data Science
• Advanced (applied theory) technical expertise regarding data processes, data cleaning, analysis, reporting, data models, and database design and testing
• Knowledge of and experience with reporting packages (SQL or equivalent, etc.), databases (SQL, etc.), and programming (SQL, R, Python, etc.)
• Advanced (applied theory) knowledge of statistics and experience using statistical packages for analysing datasets (Excel, SPSS, SAS, R, etc.).
• Advanced (applied theory) Data warehouse knowledge
• Be advanced in the application of:
• Basic Data Migration
• Basic Data Visualization   
• Business Intelligence Methodologies
• Database Knowledge
• Advanced (applied theory) Programming Skills—i.e., SQL and/or Python, R, etc. 
• Microsoft skills (advanced in)—i.e., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Analyse and make recommendations about improvements to specialist systems, procedures and associated areas' practice.
• Analyse and make recommendations about improvements to specialist systems, procedures, policies and practices.
• Conduct assessments and use information to advise, make recommendations and facilitate improvement.
• Constantly monitor the integrity and quality of data and processes to identify deficiencies and facilitate improvement.
• Contribute to the optimum utilisation of org. resources, advising on effective planning and development of area of specialisation resource plans.
• Develop a single practice area in alignment with operational activity and procedural frameworks and ensure tactical implementation.
• Draw on own technical or professional expertise, knowledge and experience to identify and recommend tactical solutions to defined problems in practices.
• Integrate business information, compare, analyse and produce reports to identify trends, discrepancies and inconsistencies for decision-making purposes.
• Note potential problems and obstacles, accumulate supporting data and initiate actions to prevent or overcome predicted problems as may be identified.
• Optimise goal achievement through tactical strategy implementation and optimisation of practises, processes and systems across an internal value chain.
• Plan for value-added, continuous practice and system improvements to deliver on objectives to enhance tactical implementation and excellence.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, determine their impact and use them to develop the best-fit alternatives and best practice implementation solutions.
• Recommend changes to optimise processes, systems, practice areas and associated procedures and execute the implementation of change and innovation.
• Research and support workable recommendations/solutions that meet business needs through information analysis.
• Review the effectiveness of related approaches and methodologies by conducting research and best practice benchmarking initiatives.
• Translate top-down policy, apply modification in relation to your own practice area and communicate impact to relevant stakeholders.
• Undertake information gathering and research and analyse data within broad guidelines to produce accurate plans and/orrecommendations for business issues.
• Undertake information gathering, research and analysis of data within broad guidelines to produce accurate plans & or recommendations for business issues.
• Acquire data from primary or secondary data sources and maintain databases, applying the knowledge of data extraction, transformation and business modelling.
• Perform complex/advanced business analysis using various techniques, e.g. statistical analysis, explanatory and predictive modelling, and data mining.
• Design, develop and test complex/advanced data analytics solutions like Reports, Dashboards, Analysis, Extracts, Models, etc.
• Identify, analyse and interpret trends and patterns in complex/advanced data sets, based on data findings.

Governance

• Develop and/oralign governance and compliance policies for your own practice area to identify and manage risk exposure liability

People

• Integrate new knowledge and transfer skills attained through formal and informal learning opportunities in the execution of your job.
• Provide specialist know-how, support, advice and practice thought leadership in the area of expertise.

Finance

• Implement and monitor financial control, management of costs and corporate governance in the area of specialisation.

Client

• Develop and ensure implementation of a practice that builds service delivery excellence and encourages others to provide exceptional stakeholder service.
• Participate in the specialist practice community and contribute positively to organisation knowledge management.
• Provide authoritative, specialist expertise and advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Behavioural Competencies

• Fairness and Transparency
• Analytical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Accountability
• Conceptual Ability
• Expertise in Context
• Trust
• Respect
• Honesty and Integrity
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Organisational Awareness

Technical Competencies

• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Data Integrity
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Efficiency Management
• Data Analytics
• Data Governance 
• Statistical and Mathematical Analysis
• Business Knowledge
• System Thinking
• Reporting
• Knowledge Management
• Information Management
   

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Job Purpose

• To provide in-depth market research and analysis of products as per legislative requirements.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Honours Degree / Postgraduate Diploma (NQF 8) in Economics, Econometrics, Business Science, Finance, or related field AND 10 – 12 years in Development Economics with Behavioural Science experience, of which 3 - 4 years at a specialist level.

 #ALTERNATIVE

• Bachelor’s degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Economics, Econometrics, Business Science, Finance, or related field AND 12 - 15 years’ experience in Development Economics with Behavioural Science of which 3 - 4 years at a specialist level.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Analyse and recommend improvements to specialist systems, procedures, policies, and practices.
• Contribute to the optimal use of organisational resources by advising on effective planning and development of resource plans within your area of specialisation.
• Develop multiple practices aligned with operational policies and procedural frameworks to support tactical development and excellence.
• Apply technical or professional expertise to identify and recommend tactical solutions to defined challenges.
• Ensure timely communication of progress and challenges in achieving divisional and business unit goals to all relevant stakeholders.
• Implement research methodologies that support the monitoring and reporting of analytical activities.
• Influence and communicate across business areas to minimise resistance and encourage adoption of new approaches.
• Integrate business information to analyse and produce reports that highlight trends, discrepancies, and insights for decision-making.
• Optimise goal achievement through tactical strategy development and the enhancement of practices, processes, and systems across the internal value chain.
• Plan for continuous improvement of practices and systems to meet objectives and enhance tactical excellence.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, assess their impact, and develop best-fit, best-practice solutions.
• Recommend and implement changes to optimise processes, systems, and practices, driving innovation and improvement.
• Translate top-down policies into actionable changes within your practice area and communicate their impact to stakeholders.

Governance

• Develop or align governance and compliance policies to effectively manage risk exposure and liability within your practice area.

People

• Apply new knowledge and skills gained through formal and informal learning to your role.
• Provide specialist support, advice, and thought leadership within your area of expertise.

Finance

• Implement and monitor financial controls, cost management, and corporate governance within your area of specialisation.

Client

• Develop and implement practices that promote delivery excellence and encourage exceptional stakeholder service.
• Participate in the specialist practice community and contribute to organisational knowledge sharing.
• Provide authoritative, specialist expertise and advice to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Research, benchmark, and develop models to enhance client service delivery and operational efficiency

Behavioural competencies

• Fairness and Transparency
• Expertise in Context
• External Awareness 
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Accountability
• Conceptual Ability
• Trust
• Respect
• Honesty and Integrity
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Organisational Awareness

Technical competencies

• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Creative and Innovative Thinking
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Economic Research
• Efficiency improvement
• Policy Analysis
• Reporting
• Research
• Business Knowledge

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Job Purpose

• The primary mandate of the Research Planning and Coordination Unit is to model, analyse and develop research tools that measure the impact of economic fundamentals and the compliance landscape on overall revenue collections. The unit provides thought leadership to inform strategy and influence policy. The unit leverages SARS tax and trade data ecosystem to ensure optimal execution of SARS strategy and to maximise revenue collection through comprehensive revenue analysis and forecasting. Key to meeting fiscal revenue estimates and forecasting objectives, is the development and maintenance of macro-economic and revenue forecasting tools. models and capabilities. As such it is imperative that the unit is capacitated by world-class Specialist Economists (and Econometricians), with exposure to international, continental, provincial and local environments, with a scope that spans micro-economics, macro-economics as well as international economics (trade) The purpose of this job is to advice on economics strategies in order to meet business objectives.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Economics, Econometrics, Business Science, Finance, or related field AND 8-10 years' experience in a macroeconomic research environment of which 3-4 years at junior specialist level. Professionally qualified, experienced specialists and/or mid-management with experience and knowledge in a field that is relevant in the field of Macro Economic Research.

#ALTERNATIVE

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 15 years' experience in a macroeconomic research environment of which 3-4 years junior specialist level. Professionally qualified, experienced specialists and/or mid-management with experience and knowledge in a field that is relevant in the field of Macro Economic Research.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Identify, analyse, monitor key macro-economic, micro-economic and SARS operations factors, and evaluate their impact on SARS’ revenue and compliance outcomes.
• Provide expert advice, analytical and technical support in economic and revenue management, analysis, modelling and forecasting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyse and make recommendations about improvements to specialist systems, procedures and associated area's practice.
• Contribute to the optimum utilisation of org. resources, advising on effective planning and development of area of specialisation resource plans.
• Develop a single practice area in alignment with operational activity and procedural frameworks and ensure tactical implementation.
• Draw on own technical or professional expertise, knowledge & experience to identify & recommend tactical solutions to defined problems in practices.
• Integrate business information, compare, analyse & produce reports to identify trends, discrepancies & inconsistencies for decision-making purposes.
• Optimise goal achievement through tactical strategy implementation and optimisation of practises, processes & systems across an internal value chain.
• Plan for value-added, continuous practice & system improvements to deliver on objectives to enhance tactical implementation and excellence.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, determine its impact and use to develop best-fit alternatives; best practice implementation solutions.
• Translate top down policy in relation to own practice area and communicate impact to relevant stakeholders.
• Recommend changes to optimise processes, systems, practice area and associated procedures and execute the implementation of change and innovation.
• Conduct assessments and use information to advise, make recommendations and facilitate improvement

Governance

• Develop and/or align governance and compliance policies for own practice area to identify and manage risk exposure liability.

People

• Integrate new knowledge and transfer skills attained through formal and informal learning opportunities in the execution of your job.
• Provide specialist know-how, support, advice and practice thought leadership in area of expertise.

Finance

• Implement and monitor financial control, management of costs and corporate governance in area of specialisation.
• Contribute to the development of divisional budgets to minimise expenditure aligned with divisional plans

Client

• Develop & ensure implementation of a practice that builds service delivery excellence & encourage others to provide exceptional stakeholder service.
• Participate in the specialist practice community and contribute positively to organisation knowledge management.
• Provide authoritative, specialist expertise and advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Behavioural competencies

• Accountability
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Conceptual Ability
• Expertise in Context
• Fairness and Transparency
• Honesty and Integrity
• Organisational awareness
• Trust
• Respect

Technical competencies

• Business Knowledge
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Data Mining and Modelling
• Efficiency Improvement
• Economic Research
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Reporting

go to method of application »

Job Purpose

• To manage and optimize resources, services, and infrastructure in a hybrid- cloud computing environment in accordance with SARS policies and procedures.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Information Technology / Finance AND 5-7 years' software asset management experience, of which 2-3 years at functional specialist level
• Azure Fundamentals, CSAM, LISA and/ ITIL qualifications, will be an added advantage

#ALTERNATIVE

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4), ITIL certification  AND 10 years software asset management experience, of which 2-3 years at functional specialist level

Job Outputs:

Process

• Be observant and engage on possible violations of procedures and standards of conduct and escalate where necessary.
• Conduct verification processes to ensure that SARS fixed asset register is complete and updated.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers, SARS role players and third parties to achieve predefined objectives.
• Identify and resolve queries and problems timeously, apply discretion in line with process guidelines provided.
• Plan and organise own work tasks within area of work.
• Accumulate information to review work progress that provides input to reporting, decision making and the identification of improvement opportunities.
• 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.
• Correctly apply policies, practices, standards, procedures and legislation in the delivery of work outputs.
• Draw on own knowledge and experience to diagnose symptoms, causes and possible effects in order to solve emerging problems.
• Execute specialist input through investigation &opportunities within the product process including risk concern.
• 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.
• Provide specialist input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and process product and risk optimisation.

Governance

• Ensure that completed work adhere to relevant policies, procedures, governance and legislative requirements and report on deviations & discrepancies.
• 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

• 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

• Honesty and Integrity
• Trust
• Respect
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Fairness and Transparency
• Analytical Thinking
• Conceptual Ability
• Attention to Detail
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Organisational Awareness
• Building Sustainability

Technical competencies

• Reporting
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Financial Analysis and Reporting
• Financial Administration
• Analysis and Interpretation of Financial Systems
• Business Knowledge
• Efficiency improvement
• Standard operating procedure compliance
• Asset Management
• Query Resolution
• Financial Controls

go to method of application »

Job Purpose

• To conduct advanced audits with the aim of influencing compliance through raising accurate assessments in line with relevant legislation.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required 

• National Diploma / Advanced Certificate (NQF 6) in Accounting/Auditing/Taxation AND 4 years' experience in a tax audit environment.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Accumulate information and provide reports with recommendations applicable to area of specialisation.
• Analyse data / evidence, review and confirm identified risks and consideration of additional risks which may relate to the entity being audited, across tax types, across related entities etc.
• Analyse information provided at dispute stage and taxpayer complaints logged.
• Analyse transactions across multiple tax types and / or entities and / or groups of related entities with the aim of understanding the tax implications thereof.
• Apply practical and applied knowledge and act authoritatively on methods, systems and procedures to identify trends and potential risks.
• Be involved in research to identify tax risks that may not have been addressed effectively through audit or other interventions. These risks will be referred to Case Selection which may lead to the identification of new audit focus areas e.g. industry, tax specific risks etc.
• Communication of situational interpretation and judgement of work outputs and queries in area of specialisation.
• Conduct advanced audits (plan, execute, finalise) in line with relevant Acts / Regulations / Policies / Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using SARS systems.
• Correctly apply policies, practices, standards, procedures and legislation in the delivery of work outputs.
• Effectively plan and schedule own activities to continuously improve quality and service delivery in area of specialisation.
• Engagement during and after the audit with Debt Management aimed at optimal collection on liabilities raised through the audit. Provide support by conducting a financial analysis to support the recommendations which may be used to determine the optimal collection of liabilities and / or to support this view at various committees e.g. Debt Committee. Engage the taxpayer regarding the collection of debt at the finalisation stage of the audit.
• Engagement with Client Service to resolve issues escalated by taxpayer and requiring direct intervention and contact by the auditor to address the issues raised by the taxpayer. The auditor may or may not have been involved in an audit of the matter escalated but called upon to assist due to the available experience and expertise.
• Engagement with Litigation and Dispute management during and post the audit process to address issues relating to the interpretation of relevant legislation e.g. tax, legislation relating to companies etc. This engagement will take cognizance of the outcomes of similar matters, tax court cases and civil court outcomes. The auditor may be required to testify in a civil court.
• Execute process and procedural change, implement the change and provide guidelines and support related to new requirements as a result of the change.
• Identify and escalate enhancements to management on policies and procedures. Auditors are also requested to provide inputs to draft policies and procedures to the product areas e.g. different Tax Types product areas, Process Design and Engineering, etc.
• Identify and escalate serious tax offences for potential criminal investigations. Escalation to include a detailed analysis of the facts together with the applicable tax legislation. The Auditor may be required to testify in a criminal court.
• Identify information required to mitigate audit risks identified and engage taxpayers / tax practitioners for additional relevant information and clarification.
• Identify new and additional risks for audit scope expansion, identification of new risks relating to other tax types and related entities for referral to Case Selection for profiling for new audit interventions.
• Manage the efficient progress of the audit and related tax types and / or entities being audited utilising approved systems. Prepare system notes of progress and outcomes as required and maintain during the audit process, e.g. Service Manager, Teammate.
• Navigate and extract relevant information from SARS systems and external sources to collect and evaluate risks and compliance to relevant legislation.
• Prepare and issue relevant communication / reports as required to internal and external stakeholders. Ensure that communication is coordinated and aligned between related audits be it tax types or at an entity level.
• Prepare inputs based on analysis and interpretation of facts and legislation, participate and present to relevant Committee. Highlight treatment of audits of similar nature to the relevant Committee to ensure consistent treatment. i.e. Technical Committee, Understatement Committee, Large Assessment Committee, Objections Committee, National Appeals Committee.
• Provide specialist input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and process, product and risk optimisation.
• Raise accurate assessments on SARS systems in relation to relevant legislation.
• Supply inputs to Account Maintenance on remittance of penalty and interest requests.
• Use practical and applied knowledge and situational judgement to arrive at decisions.
• Utilise digital information, systems and tools as they become available to address advanced audit risks. This may include eCommerce transactions and other digital risks.
• Where large data files are required to be downloaded, engage Electronic Forensic Services (EFS) to assist. Detail the data required and the risks, to contribute to the identification of required data files and/or additional data.

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 relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives.

Finance

• Adhere to specified policies, standards, legislation, and procedures to prevent wastage on resources, unauthorised expenditure and wasteful expenditure and report violations.

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

Behavioural competencies

• Accountability
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Conceptual Ability
• Customer Service
• Drive for results
• Expertise in Context
• Fairness and Transparency
• Honesty and Integrity
• Organisational Awareness
• Respect
• Trust

Technical competencies

• Audit Methodology
• Business Knowledge
• Business Writing Skills
• Computer Literacy
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Efficiency improvement
• Execute, Implement and Follow Through
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Operational Audit
• Planning and Organising
• Problem Analysis and Judgement
• Reporting
• Tax Knowledge
• Tax Law