Job Description

JOB PURPOSE:

The Payroll Compliance & Taxation Manager is responsible for managing and overseeing all payroll operations, ensuring full compliance with tax legislation and regulatory requirements. This role leads a team of payroll administrators that is responsible for the group monthly payroll, ensures accurate and timely processing of monthly payrolls, oversees reconciliations, manages audit processes, and collaborates with the finance team to align payroll with general accounting practices.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

Duties include but will not be limited to:

Payroll Management

Oversee and review the processing of monthly payrolls across the business to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with company policies. Supervise and provide guidance to payroll administrators and ensure service excellence. Maintain and continuously improve payroll processes and systems.

Tax Compliance & Reporting

Ensure full compliance with local tax laws and statutory requirements (e.g., PAYE, UIF, SDL, and other payroll-related taxes). Oversee preparation and submission of all statutory returns, including EMP201, EMP501, IRP5 certificates, and other payroll tax reports. Act as the primary point of contact for SARS and other relevant regulatory bodies.

Audits & Controls

Coordinate internal and external payroll and tax audits. Implement and monitor internal controls related to payroll and tax processes. Ensure audit findings are addressed and resolved effectively.

Third-Party Payments processing

Manage end-to-end third-party payment processes by reconciling payroll deductions and company contributions against third-party schedules. Prepare and validate payment files for medical aid, retirement funds, risk benefits, statutory authorities (e.g., PAYE, UIF, SDL), and garnishee orders. Ensure all payments are accurate, compliant, and made within prescribed deadlines to avoid penalties or employee impact. Maintain up-to-date records of payments, resolve queries with third parties, and support audit and compliance reviews as required.

Reconciliations & Accounting

Oversee monthly payroll reconciliations and ensure alignment with general ledger and financial statements. Collaborate with finance and accounting teams on month-end and year-end close activities related to payroll. Ensure accurate allocation of payroll costs across business units.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

Develop and mentor payroll team members. Provide expert advice to senior management on payroll, tax, and compliance matters. Work closely with HR, Finance, and external service providers to ensure end-to-end payroll integrity.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Required Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field. Professional payroll or tax certification (e.g., SARA Payroll Practitioner / Payroll Manager, SAIPA, SAICA - advantageous). Minimum 7 years' payroll experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or managerial role. Strong knowledge of South African payroll legislation, tax regulations, and statutory requirements. Experience in managing payroll audits and compliance reviews. Solid understanding of payroll accounting and reconciliations. Advanced proficiency in payroll systems (e.g., Sage, SAP, Oracle) and MS Excel.

Key Competencies:

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Strong leadership and team management skills. Analytical and problem-solving abilities. Ability to communicate complex payroll and tax matters clearly to non-specialists. Strong organizational and time management skills. * High level of integrity and confidentiality.