Taxation is often seen as a maze of complex laws and ever-changing regulations, but for Enoch Legwalae, it is a passion and a profession that continually challenges and excites him. As a Tax Specialist in the manufacturing industry, Enoch’s career spans consulting and corporate taxation, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the intricacies of tax compliance and strategy.
From Passion to Profession: A Tax Expert in the Making
Enoch’s fascination with taxation began during his undergraduate studies, where he majored in Tax, Accounting, Financial Management, and Auditing. Among these disciplines, tax stood out as the most intriguing and intellectually stimulating. “The complexity of how different tax acts and sections interact was my biggest inspiration,” he recalls.
Pursuing a Master of Commerce (MCom) in Taxation at the University of Pretoria further cemented his expertise. The academic journey was not without challenges—long commutes to university and early mornings tested his endurance. “Travelling one to two hours every day to attend lectures was tough. It required discipline and commitment,” he shares. But overcoming these hurdles taught him resilience, an essential quality in the demanding world of taxation.
His studies equipped him with critical skills beyond technical knowledge. “Academia trained me to solve problems, analyze client information effectively, and communicate with colleagues clearly,” he explains. These skills proved invaluable as he transitioned into professional tax consulting.
From EY to AECI: Embracing the Corporate Tax Landscape
Enoch began his career at EY, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, where he gained significant exposure to various tax domains. “Consulting offers a unique advantage—you work on multiple clients and learn about different types of taxes simultaneously. It’s an excellent starting point for anyone in taxation,” he says.
However, after years in consulting, he took on a new challenge by joining AECI as an International Tax Specialist. Moving from a consulting firm to a corporate role was a drastic change. “At EY, I juggled multiple clients, but at AECI, I’m responsible for one company with a footprint in multiple jurisdictions. This shift allows me to deepen my knowledge of South African and international tax laws,” he explains.
While it’s still early in his corporate journey, he acknowledges that each environment has unique learning opportunities. “Consulting sharpened my ability to adapt quickly and handle diverse tax matters. Now, I’m looking forward to specializing and gaining deeper insights into corporate tax strategy.”
Understanding Tax Challenges and Navigating Solutions
For businesses, staying compliant with tax regulations is a constant struggle, especially with frequent law changes. “The biggest challenge is keeping up with evolving tax laws. If businesses don’t stay updated, they risk non-compliance,” Enoch warns.
Small business owners, in particular, often make fundamental mistakes. “Many don’t maintain proper accounting systems to record transactions. Without this, filing tax returns becomes a nightmare,” he notes. Another common oversight is failing to recognize tax as a financial risk. “Tax is not just an administrative task; it has real financial implications that can impact business sustainability.”
For individuals and entrepreneurs looking to optimize their tax obligations, Enoch offers three essential tips:
1. Maintain a strong accounting system to track all transactions, ensuring accuracy when claiming tax deductions.
2. Hire or consult a tax expert—having someone knowledgeable can prevent costly mistakes.
3. Keep meticulous records of receipts and financial documents to substantiate tax filings and maximize tax benefits.
The Role of AI in Taxation: A Technological Revolution
With AI and automation reshaping industries, taxation is no exception. Enoch sees great potential in technology streamlining tax processes. “SARS has already implemented auto-assessments, making tax return submissions easier. I believe AI can also play a crucial role in combating corruption within tax authorities,” he says.
AI-powered tools are already making a difference in his work. “I use Copilot to refine my tax opinions and correct grammar errors in reports. It’s a small but impactful way AI improves efficiency in tax consulting,” he adds.
Future Aspirations and Advice for Aspiring Tax Professionals
Looking ahead, Enoch has ambitious goals. “I want to become the Head of Tax for a corporate company and, perhaps, work at SARS before I retire,” he shares. His vision is not only about career growth but also about contributing to tax policy and governance at a higher level.
For young professionals looking to enter the tax industry, he has straightforward advice: “Do tax because you are passionate about it.” He emphasizes the importance of gaining early exposure. “Apply for vacation work as much as possible to get hands-on experience in the corporate world. Also, finding a mentor in tax can be invaluable for career guidance.”
About the Tax Specialist
Enoch Legwale is a Tax Specialist in the manufacturing industry with a Master of Commerce (MCom) in Taxation from the University of Pretoria. His career journey has taken him from the fast-paced world of consulting at EY to a specialized corporate role at AECI. With expertise in South African and international tax laws, Enoch is passionate about solving complex tax challenges and leveraging technology to enhance tax processes.
Fun Facts About Enoch:
He is a serial gamer and spends his spare time immersed in gaming.
He enjoys exploring how different tax laws interact and evolve over time.
He sees AI as a powerful tool for enhancing efficiency in the tax profession.
