Job Description

Job Title: Senior Tax Accountant
Start Date: January 2026
Industry: Oil and Gas (18 months contract)
Job Purpose:
To lead and manage the organization's tax function, ensuring full compliance with all local and international tax regulations. The Senior Tax Accountant is responsible for overseeing tax reporting, audits, and payments, managing complex tax matters, and providing strategic tax guidance to the business. This role ensures that all tax activities are executed accurately, efficiently, and in line with both statutory requirements and business objectives within the oil and gas sector.
Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage the preparation, review, and filing of all tax returns (corporate income tax, VAT, PAYE, withholding tax, etc.).
• Ensure timely and accurate tax payments and reporting in compliance with relevant tax legislation.
• Lead tax audits and reviews, liaising with auditors and regulatory bodies to resolve complex queries.
• Develop and implement tax strategies to optimize the company's tax position and manage risks.
• Provide expert tax advice on business transactions, new projects, and cross-border activities.
• Review and approve tax-related journal entries, reconciliations, and disclosures in the ERP and financial statements.
• Manage tax forecasting, budgeting, and provisioning for management and group reporting purposes.
• Monitor changes in tax legislation and assess the potential impact on the organization.
• Collaborate with finance, legal, and operations teams to ensure accurate tax treatment of all business activities.
• Drive process improvements and implement best practices in tax compliance, automation, and reporting.
• Mentor and guide junior and intermediate tax accountants, ensuring technical competence and professional growth.
• Serve as key contact for external tax advisors, auditors, and SARS on all taxation matters.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of South African tax laws and exposure to international tax frameworks.
• Strong understanding of oil and gas industry tax structures, transfer pricing, and withholding tax.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP or equivalent) and tax reporting tools.
• Advanced analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent reporting and interpretation abilities with attention to accuracy and compliance.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Strategic thinker with ability to align tax planning to business goals.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills at executive level.

Experience and Education:

• 6 - 12 years of progressive experience in tax accounting and compliance, preferably within the oil and gas or energy sector.
• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Taxation, with a strong emphasis on tax.
• CA(SA) or Postgraduate qualification in Taxation advantageous.
• Proven track record in managing audits, tax reporting, and advisory functions.

Skills Required