Tax Consultant – Employment Tax Specialist

About the role

The Tax Consultant will lead the Employment Tax function for Absa Group, providing expert advice on employee tax matters and ensuring compliance with South African tax legislation. This role combines strategic advisory, stakeholder management, and hands‑on tax risk mitigation across the bank’s subsidiaries.

Key responsibilities

• Provide employee tax advice in line with Absa Group guidelines and legislative changes.
• Develop and drive the strategy for the Employees’ Tax team.
• Advise payroll and HR systems on legislative updates and test tax controls.
• Serve as the primary contact with SARS and related government departments on employment tax issues.
• Manage employee tax risk, resolve audit issues, and support auditors.
• Deliver training on employee tax matters and provide ad‑hoc direct tax advice.
• Lead the New Product Approval (NPA) process and identify tax planning opportunities.
• Represent Absa in the Banking Association of South Africa and coordinate lobbying efforts.
• Coordinate SARS special projects, ensuring accurate legislative compliance and timely reporting.
• Build and maintain relationships with subsidiaries, SARS, National Treasury, and industry bodies.

Required profile

• Proven experience in employee/employment tax advisory, preferably within a banking or large corporate environment.
• Strong knowledge of South African tax legislation and familiarity with international tax concepts.
• Experience managing tax risk, audit resolution, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to lead a team, develop performance, and foster knowledge sharing.
• Excellent communication skills for interaction with senior management, regulators, and external auditors.

Required skills

• In‑depth understanding of South African employment tax legislation.
• Experience with payroll and HR system tax integrations.
• Project management skills for coordinating SARS initiatives.