Payroll Accountant

Sea Harvest; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Sea Harvest is seeking a Payroll Accountant based in Waterfront, Cape Town, to manage payroll journals across weekly, fleet, and monthly cycles. The role ensures accurate general ledger entries, strict reconciliations, and compliance with SARS requirements.

The ideal candidate holds a BComm in Finance (or is pursuing) with 3–5 years’ payroll experience. Proficiency in SAGE300 and Excel is essential for effective payroll control and reporting.

Qualifications

• BComm Degree in Finance or pursuing.
• 3–5 years of payroll experience.
• Understanding of employee taxes, benefits, and statutory deductions.

Responsibilities

• Generate payroll journals for all payroll cycles (weekly, fleet, and monthly).
• Prepare payroll-related general ledger entries and reconcile payroll data.
• Analyse payroll data (salaries, wages, bonuses, deductions) for accuracy.
• Ensure payroll accounting entries are reflected in the general ledger.
• Perform reconciliations of salaries, liabilities, and third-party accounts.
• Ensure payroll accounts are balanced to the general ledger.
• Investigate reconciling items before the next payroll run.
• Maintain supporting documentation for reconciliations.
• Prepare and submit EMP201 returns; assist with EMP501 reconciliations.
• Ensure correct calculation for PAYE, UIF, and SDL; comply with regulations.
• Manage third-party payments to medical aids, funds, garnishees, and providers.
• Provide variance analysis and reporting to payroll leadership.
• Support process improvements and payroll governance.

Skills

Teamwork

Time Management

Problem-solving

Confidentiality

Numeric Skills

SAGE300

Excel

Education

BComm Degree in Finance or studying towards one

Tools

SAGE300

Excel

Job description

Job Purpose

The Payroll Accountant is responsible for the accurate accounting, reconciliation, and financial control of payroll transactions across weekly, monthly, and fleet payrolls. The role ensures the integrity of payroll-related financial data, supports statutory compliance, manages third-party payments, and maintains alignment between payroll processing and financial reporting. This role is based in Waterfront, Cape Town.

Key Performance Areas

Payroll Accounting & Journal Management

• Generate payroll journals for all payroll cycles (weekly, fleet, and monthly)
• Prepare payroll-related general ledger entries
• Analyse payroll data (salaries, wages, bonuses, deductions) for completeness and accuracy
• Ensure all payroll accounting entries are accurately reflected in the general ledger

Payroll Reconciliations & Financial Control

• Perform reconciliations of salaries and wages, employee-related liabilities, and third- parties accounts
• Ensure all payroll accounts are fully reconciled and balanced to the general ledger
• Investigate and resolve reconciling items timeously (before the next payroll run)
• Maintain proper supporting documentation for all reconciliations

Statutory Compliance & Tax

• Prepare and submit EMP201 returns in line with SARS requirements
• Assist with EMP501 reconciliation processes (bi-annual and annual)
• Ensure correct calculation and accounting for PAYE, UIF, and SDL
• Maintain compliance with all applicable payroll legislation and regulations

Third-Party Payments & Reconciliations

• Reconcile and manage payments to:
  • Medical aids
  • Pension and Provident Funds
  • Garnishees
  • Other payroll-related service providers
• Ensure timely and accurate payment of all payroll-related liabilities
• Resolve discrepancies with third parties efficiently

Variance Analysis & Reporting

• Analyse payroll variances across periods
• Investigate and explain significant movements in payroll cost
• Report discrepancies, risks, and irregularities to payroll leadership
• Provide insights to support financial and operational decision-making

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with payroll administrators and finance teams to resolve issues
• Support process improvements and system enhancements
• Contribute to strengthening payroll controls and efficiencies
• Assist with implementation of best practices within payroll accounting

Audit & Governance

• Prepare payroll reconciliations and supporting documentation for audit purposes
• Respond to internal and external audit queries
• Assist in addressing audit findings and implementing corrective actions
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, governance standards, and audit requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

• BComm Degree in Finance or studying towards one
• 3 – 5 years’ relevant experience
• Understanding of employee taxes, benefits, and statutory deductions

Competencies

Behavioural Competencies

• Teamwork (Advanced): Ability to collaborate across payroll and finance teams
• Time Management (Advanced): Organising tasks and meeting deadlines
• Problem-solving (Advanced): Analysing issues and finding solutions
• Confidentiality (Expert): Handles sensitive salary and employee information professionally

Technical Competencies

• Numeric Skills (Expert): Excellent numerical reasoning and mathematical skills with attention to detail
• SAGE300 (Advanced): Experience on SAGE300 preferred
• Excel (Advanced): Advanced Excel user