Payroll Accountant

Sea Harvest; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Sea Harvest in Waterfront, Cape Town, seeks a Payroll Accountant to manage payroll accounting across weekly, fleet, and monthly cycles, ensuring accurate journals and GL postings.

You will drive statutory compliance with SARS (EMP201/EMP501), oversee third-party payments (medical aids, funds, garnishees), perform variance analysis, and collaborate with payroll and finance teams to strengthen controls and reporting.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Prepare payroll journals and general ledger entries.
• Perform payroll reconciliations and ensure accuracy in the GL.
• Ensure SARS EMP201/EMP501 compliance and payroll tax obligations.
• Manage third-party payments (medical aids, pension/provident funds, garnishees).
• Conduct variance analysis and provide reporting to payroll leadership.
• Collaborate with payroll and finance teams to strengthen controls and processes.

Skills

Teamwork

Time Management

Problem-solving

Confidentiality

Numeric Skills

SAGE300

Excel

Education

BCom Degree in Finance

Studying towards BCom

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-party 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