Tax Accounting Officer – TAO(SA)
The Tax Accounting Officer designation is for those tax professionals who have a combined expertise of tax and accounting. In terms of tax, a Tax Accounting Officer is mainly focused on corporate tax compliance and managing tax disputes on behalf of those companies. A Tax Accounting Officer also reviews financial and accounting records for accuracy and governance as well as ensuring compliance with required accounting frameworks, company law and tax requirements, including the reconciliation of underlying company accounting records. Tax Accounting Officers most often work internally for a single company or as an external consultant to multiple companies. Tax Accounting Officers may also act as a taxpayer representative registered with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) via the Tax Administration Act.
Tax Accounting Officers typically require dual regulatory control. They must have both SARS tax practitioner registered status under the Tax Administration Act of 2011 and accounting officer status under the Close Corporations Act, 1984 (Act 69 of 1984). The Tax Accounting Officer designation does not cover the work of a registered auditor (which falls under the exclusive domain of the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors).
Awarding Criteria
For the Professional Designation to be awarded, professionals must comply with the following minimum requirements:
1. Academic Component
Underlying Registered Qualification or Part Qualification:
- Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accounting, NQF level 7, SAQA ID 109739
- Bachelor of Commerce in Chartered Accountancy, NQF level 7, SAQA ID 116726
- Bachelor of Commerce in Management Accountancy, NQF level 7, SAQA ID 116727
- Bachelor of Commerce in Forensic Accountancy, NQF level 7, SAQA ID 100947
2. Experiential Learning / Experience Component
In terms of the practical workplace component, the applicant must have engaged in both substantial accounting tax work and substantial accounting work as his or her sole or main activities for six consecutive years out of the last eight years. Proof that this requirement is satisfied is achieved by providing a resume of relevant work experience (verified by an employer or other senior accounting professional).
- In addition to your tax work you would have your completed substantial accounting work
3. Competency Assessment
Applicants must provide SAIT with the following documents to be successful in the Tax Accounting Officer designation:
- Provide proof of their qualification on National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 7 as indicated in accordance with the academic component above (all of which include assessments);
- Provide proof of prior tax and accounting combined work experience, verified by a third-party;
- Provide proof of a clear tax record; and
- Provide proof of a clear criminal record.
4. SARS Readiness Programme
In accordance with the SARS requirements for Recognised Controlling Bodies (RCBs) and registered tax practitioners, all applicants must complete the SARS Readiness Programme as a mandatory requirement to register as tax practitioners.
| Description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | R800.00 | Once-off fee to process your application |
| Annual Membership Fee | R8,132.00 | Payable within 30 days of approval |
| Monthly Option | 1st, 15th, or 25th of each month | Debit order option available |