Pay & Bill Manager (Accountant/ Bookkeeper)

Talent Shore; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment consultancy is seeking a Payroll Accountant to manage payroll for over 400 contractors in Cape Town. This challenging role offers opportunities for professional growth within a supportive, dynamic environment. You will handle global payroll processes and ensure compliance with regulations while working with a vibrant UK-based team.

Benefits

Career progression opportunities

Balanced lifestyle with UK working hours

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in end-to-end payroll management required.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation and regulations essential.
• Experience with large volumes of contractors (400+) is a must.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full payroll cycle including processing and distribution.
• Ensure compliance with payroll-related laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance departments for seamless payroll operations.

Skills

End-to-end payroll management

Organisational skills

Multitasking

Communication

Proactive problem-solving

Education

Experience working in a recruitment company

Knowledge of payroll legislation

Experience with Xero/TSP/Access Pay and Bill

Job description

Job Description
Accountant (Payroll focused)

Job Title:

Accountant- Payroll Focused (Recruitment Sector)

Location:

Onsite - Century City, Cape Town

Working Hours:

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM UK time, with lunch taken anytime between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. On Fridays, the workday ends at 3:30 PM UK time.

About Our Client:

Our client is a thriving UK-based recruitment consultancy that operates in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. With a global footprint and a strong presence in South Africa, they support hundreds of contractors across various sectors. They are passionate about operational excellence and are now looking for an experienced payroll-focused accountant to join their dynamic Cape Town team. This is your chance to be part of a forward-thinking, collaborative company where no two days are the same.

Job Description:

Our client is looking for an Accountant with payroll experience to join their energetic and fast-growing team. You will be working closely with the finance and sales teams, managing a busy payroll function for over 400 contractors, and ensuring efficient billing, compliance, and reporting. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a structured yet agile environment, has experience in recruitment, and understands the ins and outs of SOWs, POs, and umbrella company structures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the full payroll cycle (Staff and Contractor), including data collection, processing, and distribution.
• Ensure compliance with all payroll-related laws and regulations.
• Handle global payroll processes and liaise with international teams.
• Pension administration: Manage pension contributions, including reconciliation and uploading of relevant data.
• Prepare and submit payroll reports to management.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance departments to ensure seamless payroll operations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and support payroll-related projects.
• Actively chase outstanding POs.
• Provide support for the payroll administrator.
• Continuously improve payroll processes and systems.
• Maintain detailed process notes and ensure appropriate cover is organised in times of annual leave
• Meet reporting deadlines and support auditor requests.Handle payroll queries and resolve issues promptly.

Requirements

• Proven experience in end-to-end payroll management.
• Experience in processing UK and international payroll would be ideal.
• Experience working in a recruitment company.
• Experience with Xero/TSP/Access Pay and Bill
• Familiarity with umbrella and limited company structures and the pay & bill process.
• Demonstrated experience managing large volumes of contractors (400+).
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation and regulations.
• Strong understanding of SOWs (Statements of Work), POs (Purchase Orders), and compliance.
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills.
• Strong communicator with the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders.
• Able to hit the ground running in a fast-paced environment.
• Team management experience with a proactive, "get it done" attitude.
• Not suited to a passive or quiet individual - this role demands presence, energy, and initiative.

Benefits

• Join a fast-growing, international recruitment brand with exciting career progression opportunities.
• Work in a vibrant Cape Town office, closely aligned with a dynamic UK-based team.
• Exposure to global payroll processes and international business operations.
• UK working hours - enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
• Supportive, people-first culture that values proactive problem-solvers.