SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICES (SARS)

SPECIALIST: AUDIT (EXCISE AUDIT)

Position Reports to: Sen. Manager: Audit  

Division: Customs Border Ports of Entry

Location: Head Office

Advert Closing Date: 08 October 2026

About the Position

An exciting opportunity is available for an energetic, self-motivated, mentor and dynamic individual within Customs and Excise Compliance Cluster specifically Excise Audit Division.  SARS is looking for dynamic individual, with a high level of integrity and trust to independently plan and conduct complex audits across multiple tax types legislated  by the Customs and Excise Act and very knowledgeable in Excise audit processes and legislation.

Furthermore, the applicant must be able to work under pressure, be thorough and able to impart technical product knowledge to auditors, have zero tolerance for corruption, be available to work flexible operational hours and remain professional in dealing with both internal and external stakeholders.

Job Purpose

To conduct advanced audits of high complexity, with the aim of influencing compliance through raising accurate assessments in line with relevant legislation. Mainly to provide technical product type (Excise) support and strategic audit planning to auditors I,II and III on matters of various complexity levels, and high impact cases. Utilises advanced tax, corporate and other legislative knowledge and experience to identify tax gaps, avoidance and evasion schemes, and suggests potential solutions to minimise tax risks. Identifies initiatives and changes to required legislation to impact compliance levels. Provide training as and when necessary to different regions within the Excise Audit landscape. Provide business insights on the performance of various Excise Products for purposes of reporting.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

Relevant Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Accounting/ Audit/ Tax and/ or Legal related field and 8 years' experience in a Customs &Excise Audit environment.

Minimum Functional Requirements

Applicable professional registration at either of the following professional bodies:

• South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
• South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA)
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
• Legal Practice Council (LPC)

Job Outputs:

Process

• Analyse a wide spectrum of highly complex transactions across multiple tax types and / or entities and / or groups of related entities and / or areas of specialisation which may be based locally or internationally with the aim of understanding the tax implications and determine compliance with relevant legislation.
• Analyse and make recommendations about improvements to specialist systems, procedures, policies and practices.
• Analyse highly complex 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. This may relate to specific areas of specialisation.
• Conduct audits using newly identified systems / tools of digital information, methodology and other advanced technology identified to address highly complex advanced audit risks.
• Continuous engagement with Litigation and Dispute management to address issues relating to the interpretation of relevant legislation. Engagement with Legal counsel may be required for highly complex specialised matters. The specialist may be required to testify in a civil court on matters of a highly complex nature.
• Continuous engagements with Debt Management aimed at optimal collection on liabilities raised through the audit. Conduct a detailed financial and cash flow analysis to support the recommendations provided.
• Engage the taxpayer regarding the collection of debt at the finalisation stage of the audit. Engagement with Legal counsel may be required for highly complex specialised matters.
• Contribute to the optimum utilisation of org. resources, advising on effective planning and development of area of specialisation resource plans.
• Coordinate and provide technical support to ensure the finalisation of disputes and complaints. Analyse information of a complex nature provided at dispute stage and taxpayer complaints logged across the linked / related entities / groups of entities and / or specialised projects.
• Coordinate and support the efficient progress of the audit of linked / related entities / groups of entities being audited utilising approved systems.
• 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.
• Identify and escalate serious tax offences for potential criminal investigation, provide detailed analysis of the facts together with the applicable tax legislation. Engagement with the National Prosecuting Authority may be required for highly complex specialised matters. The Specialist may be required to testify in a criminal court.
• Identify changes required to legislation, with relevant stakeholders and policy owners to close compliance loopholes.
• Identify information required to mitigate audit risks of an advanced and highly complex nature and engage taxpayers / tax practitioners / experts / third parties both locally and internationally for additional relevant information and clarification.
• Identify new and additional highly complex 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.
• Integrate business information, compare, analyse and produce reports to identify trends, discrepancies and inconsistencies for decision making purposes.
• 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.
• Plan, conduct and support highly complex advanced audits/ projects to ensure compliance with relevant Acts / Regulations / Policies / Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare and issue detailed, high level relevant communication / reports as required to internal and external stakeholders. Ensure that communication is coordinated and aligned between related audits on tax types, entity levels or areas of specialisation.
• 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.
• Prepare system notes of progress and outcomes as required and maintain during the audit process, e.g. Service Manager, TeamMate. Review system notes of auditors involved in the audit of the linked and / or related entities and / or groups of entities.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, determine its impact and use to develop best fit alternatives; best practice implementation solutions.
• Provide guidance / technical support to other Auditors on highly complex matters / areas of specialisation. This may involve conducting research, training and development, and coaching support during an audit or dispute process.
• Provide input to draft policies and procedures to the product areas e.g., different Tax Types product areas, Process Design and Engineering, etc.
• Provide inputs and guidance to Account Maintenance on remittance of penalty and interest requests.
• Raise accurate assessments on SARS systems in relation to relevant legislation and ensure that assessments raised on linked / related entities / groups of entities / specialised projects are aligned from a tax perspective.
• Recommend changes to optimise processes, systems, practice areas and associated procedures and execute the implementation of change and innovation.
• Research to identify highly complex 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, specialised projects, etc.
• Translate top-down policy, apply modification in relation to own practice area and communicate impact to relevant stakeholders.

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 accountability.

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

• Accountability (V) Level 3
• Analytical Thinking Level 3
• Attention to Detail Level 3
• Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
• Conceptual Ability Level 3
• Customer Service Level 3
• Drive for Results Level 3
• Expertise in Context Level 3
• Fairness and Transparency (V) Level 3
• Honesty and Integrity (V) Level 3
• Organisational Awareness Level 3
• Respect (V) Level 3
• Trust (V) Level 3

Technical competencies

• Audit Methodology Level 3
• Business Knowledge Level 3
• Business Writing Skills Level 3
• Coaching and Mentoring Level 3
• Computer Literacy Level 3
• Data Collection and Analysis Level 3
• Efficiency improvement Level 3
• Execute, Implement and Follow Through Level 3
• Financial Acumen Level 3
• Functional Policies and Procedures Level 3
• Operational Audit Level 3
• Planning and Organising Level 3
• Problem Analysis and Judgement Level 3
• Quality Orientation Level 3
• Reporting Level 3
• Tax Knowledge Level 3
• Interpretation of statutes Level 2

Compliance Competency

• Security Clearance: GOC Secret
• Tax Product - Excise Knowledge

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.

PLEASE APPLY HERE

AUDITOR I

Position Reports to: Ops Manager: Audit   

Division: Taxpayer Engagement and Operations

Location: Head Office (Pretoria)

Advert Closing Date:  05 October 2026

About the position

SARS is seeking highly qualified auditor who is committed to upholding the organisation’s standards of service excellence and its core values. Successful candidate will conduct audits relating to visiting artists to the Republic of South Africa.  A bachelor’s degree in accounting, auditing, or taxation, completed SAICA articles, will be a distinct advantage.

Job Purpose

To conduct tax audits across tax types 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 3 years' experience in a tax audit environment.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Utilise digital information, systems and tools as they become available to address audit risks. This may include eCommerce transactions and other digital risks.
• 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.
• 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.
• Conduct 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 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 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. 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, which will 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 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.
• Prepare inputs based on analysis and interpretation of facts and legislation, participate and present to relevant committee 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 and engage Client Service to resolve issues escalated by taxpayer.
• Use practical and applied knowledge and situational judgement to arrive at decisions.
• 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 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.
• 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
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Efficiency improvement
• Execute, Implement and Follow Through
• Financial Acumen
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Operational Audit
• Planning and Organising
• Problem Analysis and Judgement
• Quality Orientation
• Reporting
• Tax Knowledge
• Tax Law

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.

PLEASE APPLY HERE

AUDITOR I (FIXED TERM CONTRACT)

Position Reports to: Ops Manager: Audit   

Division: Taxpayer Engagement and Operations

Location: Head Office (Pretoria)

Advert Closing Date: 05 October 2026

About the position

SARS is seeking highly qualified auditor who is committed to upholding the organisation’s standards of service excellence and its core values.  Successful candidate will conduct audits relating to visiting artists to the Republic of South Africa.  A bachelor’s degree in accounting, auditing, or taxation, completed SAICA articles, will be a distinct advantage.  The end date of the contract is 31 March 2028.

Job Purpose

To conduct tax audits across tax types 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 3 years' experience in a tax audit environment.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Utilise digital information, systems and tools as they become available to address audit risks. This may include eCommerce transactions and other digital risks.
• 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.
• 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.
• Conduct 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 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 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. 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, which will 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 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.
• Prepare inputs based on analysis and interpretation of facts and legislation, participate and present to relevant committee 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 and engage Client Service to resolve issues escalated by taxpayer.
• Use practical and applied knowledge and situational judgement to arrive at decisions.
• 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 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.
• 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
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Efficiency improvement
• Execute, Implement and Follow Through
• Financial Acumen
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Operational Audit
• Planning and Organising
• Problem Analysis and Judgement
• Quality Orientation
• Reporting
• Tax Knowledge
• Tax Law

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.

PLEASE APPLY HERE