Compliance Risk Specialist

About the role

SARS is looking for an accomplished Compliance Risk Specialist in Pretoria (Brooklyn) to identify emerging compliance risks, understand shifts in taxpayer and trader behaviour and turn data, research and analytics into actionable compliance intelligence. The role reports to the Business Area Head of Enterprise Compliance within Taxpayer Engagement Operations.

Key responsibilities

• Apply the taxpayer and trader compliance risk management framework, including the Compliance Programme, to promote voluntary compliance with tax, customs and excise obligations such as registration, filing, declaration and payment.
• Identify, assess, prioritise and monitor taxpayer and trader risks, maintain risk registers and apply industry indicators, financial ratios and environmental intelligence.
• Measure and report voluntary compliance, including the VCI, filing, payment, customs and excise indicators and behavioural shifts across major tax types.
• Analyse governed data, apply advanced analytics, maintain CEMIS and turn findings into recommendations.
• Research compliance trends and measurement methods, run diagnostic studies and apply behavioural economics and psychology to shape compliance.
• Develop and refresh the SARS Compliance Programme and advise on stakeholder engagement and capability building.
• Produce research reports and discussion papers, recommend process and system improvements, and network with government departments, foreign tax administrations and academics.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Economics, Commerce and Management Studies, Taxation or Risk Management, with 8-10 years' experience in a customs, audit or risk environment, including 3-4 years at junior specialist level.
• Alternative: Senior Certificate (NQF 4) and 15 years' experience in a similar environment, including 3-4 years at junior specialist level.
• Experience with major tax types (PIT, CIT, VAT, PAYE), tax administration, auditing and SARS core systems.
• Access to confidential taxpayer information requires good judgement, integrity and respect for confidentiality; the appointment is subject to an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, psychometric assessment or vetting, references and security clearance where applicable.

Required skills

• Advanced analytics and data analysis, including use of Excel and basic SQL.
• Understanding of tax administration and compliance risk management.
• Knowledge of functional policies and procedures and reporting.