Payroll Manager

Job Advert Summary

The Group Payroll Manager is responsible for leading and managing the centralised payroll function within the organisation, ensuring the accurate and timely payment of employees in compliance with statutory regulations and internal policies. This role integrates payroll operations with financial accounting by overseeing the allocation of salary costs to the general ledger, managing payroll-related reconciliations, and ensuring accurate reporting. The manager also ensures the timely payment and compliance of third-party obligations, including tax authorities, benefit providers, and other statutory bodies. In addition, the role drives continuous improvement in payroll systems and processes, supports audit and risk management activities, and provides strategic insights to support financial planning and workforce management.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field.
• 10+ years payroll experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Strong understanding of South African labour and tax laws
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills
• Payroll-specific certification is an advantage (e.g., Sage VIP certification, South African Payroll Association (SAPA) membership, SARA, etc.).
• Advanced Computer literacy (MS Office)
• Proficiency in payroll software (e.g. Sage, VIP, Payspace, SAP, Oracle, Workday)
• Understanding of integration with HR, finance, and timekeeping systems
• In-depth knowledge of South African payroll legislation
• Understanding of accounting & financial principles
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ethical and trustworthy with strong integrity.
• Problem-solving mindset.
• Strategic thinking and ability to improve payroll processes.
• Familiarity with employee benefits administration

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage payroll operations for multiple entities (SA & Africa) within the group.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees.
• Review and approve payroll transactions, including salaries, wages, bonuses, deductions, and taxes.
• Manage and process end-to-end payroll for all employees.
• Stay updated with South African labor laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure payroll processes adhere to legal standards and company policies.
• Manage payments to: Tax authorities (PAYE, UIF, SDL, etc.), Pension/provident fund administrators, medical aid providers, Garnishees and other deductions.
• Ensure timely and accurate remittance and reporting.
• Manage payroll software systems to facilitate efficient processing.
• Implement improvements or upgrades to payroll systems as necessary.
• Ensure integration and reconciling with other HR and finance systems for seamless data flow.
• Prepare payroll reports for management, finance teams, and external stakeholders as required.
• Analyse payroll data to identify trends, discrepancies, or areas for improvement.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on payroll analytics.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports.
• Reconcile payroll data with accounting and HR records.
• Statutory returns (e.g., SARS submissions, EMP201, EMP501).
• Prepare for internal and external audits.
• Ensure proper documentation and controls are in place.
• Mitigate risks related to fraud, data breaches, and non-compliance.
• Lead and manage a team of payroll administrators and supervisors
• Provide training and guidance to payroll staff on processes, regulations, and software usage.
• Develop and implement payroll strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Establish and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and controls.
• Continuously improve payroll processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Collaborate with HR, finance, and other departments on payroll-related matters.
• Address payroll queries and issues from employees and management.
• Build relationships with external stakeholders such as auditors, tax authorities, COIDA auditors and payroll service providers.
• Salary Cost Allocation:
• Allocate payroll costs to appropriate cost centers and departments.
• Post payroll journal entries to the general ledger.
• Reconcile payroll accounts monthly and at year-end.
• Accruals & Provisions:
• Calculate and record accruals for leave, bonuses, and other employee benefits.
• Collaborate with finance for budgeting and forecasting payroll expenses.
• Update payroll with latest pension and provident fund rates and medical contributions
• Submit monthly schedules to funds.
• Submit claims to the pension fund and handle queries of executive team
• Manage and mentor payroll staff across group entities.
• Coordinate with HR, Finance, and IT departments.
• Serve as the point of contact for payroll-related queries and escalations.