Payroll Manager

Description:

The Payroll Manager is responsible for the full end-to-end management of payroll operations, ensuring all employees are compensated accurately, timeously, and in full compliance with South African labour and tax legislation. This position requires strong payroll expertise combined with financial acumen, including general ledger reconciliations, reporting, and audit support. The role also involves leading a payroll team and driving the optimisation of payroll processes through technology and automation.
Some travel to client branches may be required from time to time, although it is not an inherent requirement of the role.

Payroll Management & Processing

Oversee and manage all payroll operations for 4,000+ employees across multiple entities, ensuring 100% accuracy and timeliness.
Ensure all payroll processes comply with statutory legislation (UIF, PAYE, SDL, BCEA, SARS requirements, industry-specific regulations such as PSIRA / MIBCO, where applicable).
Manage successful onboarding of new companies onto the payroll system, including full legislative registrations.

Compliance, Reporting & Financial Controls

Develop, implement, and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Prepare and submit all statutory submissions, including monthly EMP201, bi-annual SARS submissions, annual Return of Earnings (WCA), and provident fund submissions.
Prepare general ledger (GL) files, journals (ACUMATICA), and payroll-related financial entries.
Conduct payroll variance analysis and ensure accurate salary costs are loaded on Salesforce for approval.
Manage reconciliations: monthly payroll payments, deductions, leave, overtime, benefits, and statutory payments.
Support internal and external audits by compiling reports, providing documentation, and explaining payroll processes.

Operational Excellence

Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including automation and innovative payroll processing enhancements.
Ensure correct setup and maintenance of all payroll components, including:

Rates of pay
RFI linking
Company vehicle and petrol tax
Leave methods and ESS integration
Termination calculations
Accurate linking of employees to clocking systems

Ensure weekly and monthly reports are generated, including payroll expenditure, absence statistics, and leave utilisation.

Stakeholder & Team Management

Provide expert guidance on payroll, benefits, and tax-related matters to employees and management.
Collaborate closely with HR and Finance to ensure data alignment and seamless payroll cycles.
Lead, mentor, and develop the payroll team, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and service excellence.

Requirements:

Key Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum 10 years’ experience in end-to-end payroll processing, with at least 3–5 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting standards applicable to payroll.
Advanced knowledge of payroll legislation, tax regulations, and best-practice payroll procedures.
Proficiency in payroll software (Sage 300 required) and advanced MS Excel capability (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, formulas, reconciliation).
Strong analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
Willingness to travel to client branches when required (40+ entities).

Systems & Platforms Used

SAGE 300
ACUMATICA
SALESFORCE
ERS Biometrics
ESS
WCA / RMA online
SARS eFiling and related online systems
Online banking platforms
Full Microsoft Suite – Advanced level