Head of Payroll – Multi-Entity, 1,500+ Staff (PaySpace)

Network Finance; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking a seasoned Payroll Manager (Head of Payroll) to take ownership of a large, multi-entity payroll function and drive excellence, compliance, and process improvement across SA operations.

Leading a team of Payroll Officers, you will manage end-to-end monthly payroll for 1,500+ employees, ensure accurate inputs, timely payments, and strict adherence to SARS, BCEA, and related regulations while optimizing PaySpace configurations.

Qualifications

• Relevant Diploma or Degree in Payroll, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field is highly advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years' payroll experience in a high-volume environment.
• Minimum 5 years' experience managing a payroll team.
• Advanced PaySpace experience (Super User level) is non-negotiable.
• Proven experience processing payroll for 1,500+ employees across multiple entities.
• Demonstrated experience with statutory registrations and payroll compliance.
• Previous experience within a payroll bureau or multi-entity environment will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Payroll Officers while driving accountability and high performance.
• Establish structured payroll processes, workflows, and internal controls.
• Ensure payroll deadlines are consistently met with a "right first time" approach.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and enhance payroll efficiencies.
• Act as the organisation's PaySpace Super User, managing system configurations, user access, and payroll parameters.
• Oversee the end-to-end monthly payroll for 1,500+ employees across multiple entities.
• Review and process payroll inputs including new appointments, terminations, salary increases, overtime, leave, and variable earnings.
• Manage payroll reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Authorise payroll payment files and produce executive payroll reports.
• Manage monthly, bi-annual, and annual SARS submissions (EMP201, EMP501 and IRP5s).
• Ensure full compliance with all South African payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• Register new entities with SARS, the Department of Employment and Labour, Compensation Fund (COIDA/WCA), Bargaining Councils, and other statutory bodies.
• Manage submissions and reconciliations for UIF, Provident Funds, Bargaining Councils, and Compensation Fund.
• Maintain compliance with BCEA, SARS legislation, and other relevant labour regulations.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Team management

PaySpace

High-volume payroll

SARS compliance

Education

Diploma or Degree in Payroll/Finance/Accounting/HR

Tools

PaySpace

Job description

Network Finance is seeking a seasoned Payroll Manager (Head of Payroll) to take ownership of a large, multi-entity payroll function and drive excellence, compliance, and process improvement across SA operations.

Leading a team of Payroll Officers, you will manage end-to-end monthly payroll for 1,500+ employees, ensure accurate inputs, timely payments, and strict adherence to SARS, BCEA, and related regulations while optimizing PaySpace configurations.