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SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICES (SARS)
INVESTIGATOR: ILLICIT TRADE INVESTIGATOR (ILLICIT TRADE UNIT)
Position Reports to: Operational Manager: Investigations (Illicit Trade Unit)
Division: Service & Delivery Centralized (Syndicated Tax Customs Crime Division)
Location: Nelspruit- Mpumalanga
Advert Closing Date: 08 July 2026
About the Position
SARS is making an exciting opportunity available for a highly skilled, experienced and results driven Illicit Economy Investigator with sound judgement, strong business acumen and who ideally displays an ability to operate under limited supervision. The investigator is expected to contribute towards our higher purpose and service orientation by interpreting and applying tax law. Finally, s/he will function within a team of like-minded individuals focussing on selected projects intended to not only assist in reducing the tax gap but also in supporting governments tax compliance strategy.
Job Purpose
To conduct illicit trade investigations, under supervision, into tax and customs offences.
Education and Experience
Minimum Qualification & Experience Required
National Diploma in Criminal or Forensic Investigations, Forensic Auditing, Taxation and 2-3 years’ experience in investigations or Investigative Auditing environment, of which 1-2 years ideally at knowledge worker level.
Minimum Functional Requirements
Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 5 years related tax investigations experiences
Job Outputs:
Process
- Accumulate information and provide reports with recommendations applicable to area of specialisation
- 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
- Effectively plan and schedule own activities to continuously improve quality and service delivery in area of specialisation
- Execute process and procedural change, implement the changes and provide guidelines and support related to new requirements as a result of change
- Provide specialist input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and process product and risk optimisation
- Use practical and applied knowledge and situational judgement to arrive at decisions
- Correctly apply policies, standards, procedures and legislation in the delivery of work outputs.
- Assist fellow investigators when interviewing informers and possible witness to gather information administered by the Commissioner.
- Apply knowledge of the Legal framework relative to the work
- Plan and implement action necessary to conduct investigations without supervision
- Prepare the various reports and records required for the Quarterly performance reviews conducted
- Correctly identify facts in dispute in relation to identified criminal conduct
- Determine offences and recommend appropriate punitive actions according to the relevant legislation
- Plan and organise own work tasks within area work
- Investigate reported wilful acts of non-compliance to SARS legislation
- Appears as a specialist witness in court and attend to court proceedings as and when required
- Provide assistance to other law enforcement agencies as and when required, within the mandate of the Acts administered by SARS
- Prepare accurate links and or association diagrams to explain the relationship between individuals, activities, premises etc, to investigators
- Evaluate, collate and analyse information received from various sources to support internal stakeholders with timely and accurate intelligence
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 relationship with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives
Finance
- Adhere to organisational policies and procedures to ensure cost effectives 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
- Ensure own understanding and adherence to customer service delivery and provide specialist support to meet or exceed customer expectations
- Assist with requests from both the NPA & SAPS in relation to the investigation in accordance with the MOU between SARS, NPA and SAPS.
Behavioural competencies
- Adaptability
- Accountability
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Building Sustainability
- Commitment to Continuous Learning
- Conceptual Ability
- Expertise in Context
- Fairness
- Integrity
- Organisational Awareness
- Respect
Technical competencies
- Business Writing Skill
- Criminal Investigation
- Forensic Auditing
- Fraud Investigation
- Investigative Skills
- Legal Knowledge and Knowledge of Ethics
- Verbal Communication
Compliance Competency
- Adjective Law
- GOC Confidential
- Substantive Law 1
Employment Equity
The Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable.
LEARNING DELIVERY PRACTITIONER
Position Reports to: Manager: Learning & Development
Division: Enterprise Services & Support
Location: SARS: Alberton Campus
Advert Closing Date: 30 June 2026
About the Position
In an ever-changing environment, we have built a responsive and agile organisation to give effect to our strategic intent of achieving voluntary compliance. We invite you to be part of the special team that contributes to the collection of revenue, protects the economy and people of South Africa. We believe that your skills, commitment and dedication will add value and make a difference to the organisation and the country. Integrity is key to the organisation.
Job Purpose
To facilitate and deliver payroll auditing learning interventions that build technical capability, enable the transfer of learning into the workplace, and support SARS business objectives by strengthening service delivery and compliance outcomes.
Education and Experience
Minimum Qualification & Experience Required
A Bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Taxation, Accounting or Auditing with 5–7 years’ experience in payroll tax auditing or payroll tax training and facilitation, of which 2–3 years must be at a functional specialist level.
Alternatively,
Matric (NQF 4) and a Skills Programme in Facilitation qualification with 10 years’ experience in payroll tax auditing or payroll tax training and facilitation, of which 2–3 years must be at a functional specialist level.
Job Outputs:
Process
- Accumulate information to review work progress that provides input to reporting, decision making and the identification of improvement opportunities. (I)
- Apply practical and applied knowledge and act authoritatively on methods, systems and procedures to identify trends and potential risks. (I)
- Communication of situational interpretation and judgement of work outputs and queries in area of specialisation. (I)
- Conduct research to investigate areas of concern in order to resolve problems and identify solutions.
- Correctly apply policies, practices, standards, procedures and legislation in the delivery of work outputs. (I)
- Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and SARS role players to achieve predefined objectives.
- Draw on own knowledge and experience to diagnose symptoms, causes and possible effects in order to solve emerging problems. (I)
- Execute and evaluate training to address identified needs.
- Initiate process and procedural change, implement the change and provide guidelines and support related to new requirements as a result of the change. (I)
- Plan for value-added process improvements, initiatives and services to deliver on operational strategy and objectives. (I)
- Provide specialist input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and process, product and risk optimisation. (I)
Governance
- Implement and provide input into the development of governance, compliance, integrity and ethics processes within area of specialisation. (I)
- Ensure that completed work adheres to relevant policies, procedures, governance and legislative requirements, and report deviations and discrepancies.
People
- Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives. (I)
- Search for, integrate and share new knowledge attained through formal and informal learning opportunities in the execution of your job. (I)
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. (I)
- Provide authoritative, specialist services, expertise and advice to internal and external stakeholders. (I)
Compliance Competency
- Security Clearance: GOC Confidential
Employment Equity
The Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable.