Job Description

Payroll Manager
Role Overview:
The Payroll Manager is responsible for managing the complete payroll function for a large, high-volume environment. This role oversees payroll for over 4000 employees across more than 40 companies, requiring exceptional accuracy, strong leadership capability, and the ability to operate in a high-pressure, demanding environment. The role includes full responsibility for compliance, reporting, reconciliations, and payroll governance.
Compensation & Benefits

• Total Cost to Company: Up to R80 000 per month, OR
• Gross Salary: Up to R63 000 per month (depending on structure)
• Company Cellphone & Contract: Included; however, 15% of the contract price is deducted monthly as per company policy.

• The employee may opt out of receiving the company cellphone and contract.
• Medical Aid: Discovery Medical Aid (employer benefits included).
• Provident Fund & Group Life Cover: Included.
• Travel: Access to a pool vehicle or travel reimbursement for branch visits.
• Working Hours: Monday-Friday on-site only; flexible start/end times permitted (9 hours per day), Fridays until 16:00.
• Start Date: January 2026.

Purpose of the Role

• Lead, manage, and ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll for high employee volumes.
• Maintain compliance with all labour, tax, and payroll legislation.
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, and financial integrations.
• Strengthen payroll controls, reporting structures, and service delivery standards.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years' full-function payroll experience, including management or supervisory experience.
• Proven ability to function effectively in fast-paced, high-demand, high-pressure environments.
• Exceptional attention to detail, extreme accuracy, and high numerical literacy.
• Strong understanding of payroll legislation, tax requirements, and compliance obligations.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, reconciliations).
• Proficiency with payroll systems (e.g., Sage 300) plus exposure to financial and HRIS systems.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to support and guide a diverse payroll team.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Willingness to travel to branches when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage end-to-end payroll processing for 4000+ employees across 40+ entities.
• Ensure accurate loading, updating, and maintaining of employee details, earnings structures, deductions, and benefits.
• Manage salary, wage, overtime, and allowance calculations with high precision.
• Ensure full compliance with all statutory obligations (taxes, UIF, SDL, annual and bi-annual submissions).
• Prepare payroll journals, general ledger reconciliations, and variance reports.
• Drive continuous improvement in payroll systems, procedures, and internal controls.
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and process explanations.
• Lead and develop payroll staff, ensuring high-performance standards and continuous skill development.
• Manage statutory registrations and setup of new entities.
• Monitor leave, absenteeism statistics, and ensure accurate ESS utilisation.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and employee queries efficiently and professionally.
• Oversee payroll reporting including monthly expenditure, compliance reports, and workforce metrics.
• Manage system integrations such as HRIS, biometrics/clocking systems, and financial platforms.
• Promote innovation, automation, and technology-driven payroll enhancements.

Systems Knowledge (Advantageous)

• Sage 300
• Acumatica
• Salesforce
• Biometric / Clocking systems
• ESS platforms
• Online banking systems
• Microsoft Office Suite (Advanced)

Skills Required