Tax Specialist at Pavago in South Africa, South Africa

Tax Specialist (U.S. Tax Compliance & Tax Planning) – Remote | U.S. Business Hours

Position Type: Full-Time, Remote Working Hours: U.S. Business Hours

About the Role

We’re hiring a technically strong and detail-oriented Tax Specialist to manage tax preparation, compliance, filings, and tax planning initiatives across individual and business entities.

This is not a bookkeeping-only role.

You will be responsible for:

• Preparing and reviewing tax returns
• Managing federal and state compliance
• Supporting audits and regulatory inquiries
• Monitoring changing tax laws
• Identifying opportunities to reduce liabilities and improve tax efficiency

This role is ideal for someone who thrives under deadlines, understands U.S. tax regulations deeply, and can balance technical accuracy with strategic thinking.

If you enjoy:

• Tax compliance
• Tax planning
• Problem-solving
• Regulatory research
• Financial optimization

This role is a strong fit.

What You’ll Own

Tax Preparation & Filing (Core Focus)

• Prepare and review:
  • Individual tax returns (1040)
  • Corporate tax returns (1120)
  • Partnership returns (1065)
• Manage:
  • Quarterly estimated taxes
  • Extensions
  • Federal and state filings
• Ensure all filings are accurate, compliant, and submitted on time
• Maintain organized tax calendars and filing schedules

Tax Compliance & Regulatory Monitoring

• Monitor updates to:
  • IRS guidance
  • Federal tax law
  • State and local tax regulations
• Ensure ongoing compliance across:
  • Federal filings
  • Multi-state requirements
  • Payroll tax
  • Sales tax
  • Property tax
• Minimize compliance risks and filing errors

Tax Planning & Advisory

• Identify opportunities for:
  • Deductions
  • Credits
  • Tax savings
  • Liability reduction
• Support tax-efficient transaction structuring
• Provide guidance on tax implications and compliance requirements
• Assist with international tax matters when applicable:
  • FBAR
  • FATCA
  • Transfer pricing

Audit Support & Documentation

• Maintain audit-ready schedules and documentation
• Respond to:
  • IRS notices
  • State tax inquiries
  • Audit requests
• Clearly document:
  • Tax positions
  • Assumptions
  • Filing support
  • Compliance processes

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with:
  • Accounting teams
  • Finance leadership
  • External CPAs
  • Auditors
• Support month-end and year-end close activities
• Ensure alignment between tax reporting and financial reporting

What Makes You a Strong Fit

• You are highly detail-oriented and deadline-driven
• You can explain complex tax concepts clearly
• You proactively identify risks and savings opportunities
• You stay updated on changing tax regulations
• You maintain organized and audit-ready documentation
• You balance technical compliance with practical business impact

Required Experience & Skills

• 3+ years of experience in:
  • Tax preparation
  • Tax compliance
  • Tax accounting
• Strong understanding of:
  • U.S. federal tax laws
  • State tax compliance
  • IRS filing requirements
• Experience using tax software such as:
  • UltraTax
  • Drake
  • Lacerte
  • ProSeries
  • Or equivalent
• Familiarity with:
  • IRS e-filing systems
  • State tax portals
• Strong Excel or Google Sheets skills
• Strong analytical and reconciliation abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and organization

Nice-to-Have Experience

• CPA or EA certification
• Master’s in Taxation
• Multi-state or international tax exposure
• Experience in:
  • SaaS
  • Real estate
  • Professional services
  • High-net-worth client environments
• Experience supporting closely held businesses

What a Typical Day Looks Like

• Review upcoming filing deadlines and priorities
• Prepare and review tax returns and schedules
• Analyze financial records for optimization opportunities
• Respond to IRS or state notices
• Coordinate with finance and accounting teams
• Maintain tax documentation and audit support files
• Research tax law updates and compliance requirements

In short: You ensure taxes are filed accurately, compliance risks are minimized, and businesses remain financially optimized and audit-ready.

Key Metrics for Success (KPIs)

• 100% on-time tax filing completion
• Zero missed deadlines or compliance penalties
• Accuracy of returns and reconciliations
• Audit readiness and documentation quality
• Identification of tax-saving opportunities
• Positive feedback from leadership, auditors, and clients

Why This Role Stands Out

• High-impact finance and compliance role
• Opportunity to work across multiple tax entities and structures
• Strong exposure to strategic tax planning and advisory
• Collaborative environment with finance leadership
• Remote flexibility with long-term growth potential
• Opportunity to deepen expertise in multi-state and complex tax environments

Interview Process

• Initial Phone Screen
• Video Interview with Pavago Recruiter
• Practical Tax Assessment
• Client Interview with Finance/Tax Leadership
• Offer & Background Verification

Apply Now

If you:

• Have strong U.S. tax compliance experience
• Enjoy solving complex tax challenges
• Can manage deadlines with precision
• Want to play a key role in financial operations and tax strategy

This role is a strong fit for professionals who combine technical tax expertise with ownership, organization, and strategic thinking.