The Transfer Pricing Specialist designation is unique specialisation within the field of taxation.  This specialisation requires a mix of skills in accounting, economics, law and general commerce.   Transfer Pricing Specialists engage in compliance, tax disputes and advisory work.  Most Transfer Pricing Specialists focus on compliance and the early stages of tax disputes with much of their efforts directed toward local files and master files.  Transfer Pricing Specialists with a greater emphasis on legal experience tend to focus on tax disputes.  Senior transfer pricing specialists tend to have a greater focus on global supply (and value) chain planning.

Note: As per the recognition of criteria for RCBs and Tax Practitioners, the SARS readiness programme will be compulsory for individuals who want to register as tax practitioners from 1 July 2022. Click here​ to read more.

AWARDING CRITERIA

For the Transfer Pricing Specialist designation to be awarded, applicants must comply with the following two requirements: 

1.        Academic Component

Academic experience is based on registered NQF qualifications achieved through formal assessments.  In terms of the academic component, the applicant must have successfully completed an NQF Level 8 (Bachelor Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma) in economics, accounting, finance or law. These degrees can be obtained in South Africa or abroad. 

For purposes of the above, qualification titles on NQF level 8 that will be accepted as a minimum are:

• BCom Honours Taxation
• PG Dip Accounting
• PD Dip Taxation
• PG Dip Tax Law
• PG Dip Commerce
• BCom Honours Accounting / CTA
• PG Dip in Chartered Accountancy
• PG Dip in General Accountancy
• PG Dip International Tax Law
• BAccSci (Hons) Accounting Science
• PG Dip Accountancy - Taxation elective
• Tax Professional Occupational Qualification
• LLB Law
• BAdmin Honours Economics
• BCom Honours Economics

(this list may include other qualifications on NQF level 8)

2.       Experiential Learning or Experience Component

In terms of the practical workplace component, the applicant must have engaged in transfer pricing work as his or her main activity for 5 consecutive years out of the last 5 years. Proof that this requirement is satisfied is achieved by providing a resume of transfer pricing work experience (verified by an employer or other senior tax professional). 

Competency Assessment 

Applicants must provide SAIT with the following documents in order to be successful in the Transfer Pricing Specialist designation:

• Provide proof of prior tax work experience, verified by a third-party;
• Provide proof of their qualification on National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 8 as indicated in accordance with the academic component above (all of which include assessments);
• Provide proof of a clear tax record;
• Provide proof of a clear criminal record;
• In addition, all applicants will be required to satisfy two SAIT entry assessments to confirm competency in both transfer pricing compliance and transfer pricing advisory. 

Designation Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Statement

The Transfer Pricing Specialist designation may be awarded through RPL when candidates lack the required NQF Level 8.  Depending on the candidate's circumstances, this RPL mechanism will require alternative learning pathways (formal or non-formal qualifications) that specialise in transfer pricing; additional transfer pricing workplace experience will also be considered for the RPL route. 

1. Structured Workplace Alternative:In terms of the RPL mechanism for the workplace experience component, the programme allows for monitored dedicated transfer pricing work for up to   2 years, which includes logbook verification. This structured learnership/internship may be used as an RPL route to satisfy the standard 5 years of work experience.
2. Extensive work experience Alternative: This designation may be awarded through an RPL mechanism in terms of candidates lacking the required NQF Level 8 Degree with 10 years of Transfer Pricing experience. 

RETAINING CRITERIA

In order to ensure their currency of professional knowledge and to retain the Transfer Pricing Specialist Designation, members must comply with the following 3 requirements: 

1.        Code of Conduct

Members must adhere to the Professional Body Codes of Conduct and Ethics.  

2.       Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Members must demonstrate a commitment to maintaining their skills by regularly involving themselves in continuous professional development. This requirement must be satisfied annually upon the close of each calendar year in which the person is a member of SAIT. 

Undertaking regular continuing professional development (CPD) ensures that the member: 

• Maintains knowledge and skills to provide services of the highest quality;
• Remains current in terms of tax interpretation, legislation and policy direction; and
• Can properly advise clients of their rights and obligations in terms of the tax system. 

Members are required to fulfil mandatory 18 hours of annual CPD in order to maintain their SARS practitioner registration and their SAIT membership. This annual CPD requirement consists of:

These 18 hours must consist of:

10 hours of tax;

2 hours of ethics;

6 hours of learning related to the service provided by the member (such as accounting or law).

These CPD hour requirements include professional ethics.