Assistant Payroll Manager

Omega HR Solutions; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading HR solutions provider is looking for an experienced Assistant Payroll Manager to oversee a large payroll function in Johannesburg. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of payroll experience, including 2 years in management, and strong knowledge of South African payroll legislation. You will ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and drive improvements in systems and processes. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a hands-on approach in a deadline-driven environment.

Qualifications

• 8 years’ payroll experience, including 2 years in a management role.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Payroll and Time & Attendance systems.
• Knowledge of South African labour and payroll legislation.

Responsibilities

• Support effective leadership and operational delivery of payroll function.
• Ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and process integrity.
• Engage with stakeholders and manage payroll projects.

Skills

Attention to detail

Numerical ability

Analytical thinking

People management

Communication skills

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Payroll Management

Tools

PaySpace payroll system

MS Excel

MS Office

Job description

My client is seeking an experienced Assistant Payroll Manager to support the effective leadership, governance, and operational delivery of a large, complex payroll function. This role is suited to a highly skilled payroll professional with strong legislative knowledge, system expertise, and the ability to operate confidently in a deadline-driven, regulated environment.

Reporting to the Remuneration Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, process integrity, and continuous improvement across payroll and time & attendance systems.

Key Performance Areas

• Payroll Operations & Delivery
• Legislative Compliance & Governance
• Systems, Data & Process Management
• Financial Control & Reporting
• Team Leadership & Capability Development
• Stakeholder Engagement & Projects

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 with a relevant tertiary qualification in Payroll Management
• Minimum of 8 years’ payroll experience, including at least 2 years in a payroll management or supervisory role
• Strong numerical ability with a sound understanding of basic bookkeeping principles
• Extensive hands‑on experience with Payroll and Time & Attendance systems
• Unique / PaySpace payroll experience at parameter level is essential
• In‑depth knowledge of South African labour and payroll legislation, including BCEA, LRA, POPIA, COIDA, UIF, Income Tax Act, Wage Determination Act, and Bargaining Council Agreements
• Advanced MS Excel and MS Office proficiency
• Valid Code 08 (EB) driver’s licence

You are someone who:

• Has exceptional attention to detail and a strong quality mindset
• Is calm, structured, and reliable under pressure and during peak payroll cycles
• Operates with integrity, confidentiality, and professional objectivity at all times
• Thinks analytically, identifies risks early, and approaches problems with practical solutions
• Is hands‑on and decisive, yet fair, patient, and people‑focused
• Communicates clearly and confidently with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Enjoys guiding, supporting, and developing others while setting high standards
• Is self‑motivated, accountable, and willing to go the extra mile when deadlines demand it