Payroll Accountant (Remote)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Remote work support

Professional growth opportunities

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Payroll Accountant to join the finance team in a fully remote role, servicing employees across South Africa. You will manage payroll processing, ensure regulatory compliance, and oversee benefits administration from a remote setting.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance and at least 3 years of payroll experience, with proficiency in VIP Payroll or Sage Payroll and HRIS systems. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years direct experience in payroll processing and accounting.
• Proficiency with VIP Payroll, Sage Payroll, and HRIS systems; strong SA payroll knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly or monthly payroll accurately and on time for all employees.
• Ensure compliance with South African payroll tax laws including PAYE, UIF, and SDL.
• Manage employee data updates: new hires, terminations, and compensation changes.
• Reconcile payroll reports and address discrepancies.
• Administer employee benefits programs (pension funds, medical aid).
• Prepare and submit payroll tax returns and SARS reports.
• Liaise with external payroll providers or government agencies as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation and best practices.
• Address employee payroll and benefits queries promptly.
• Assist with payroll audits and provide required documentation.

Skills

Payroll processing

Payroll software

HRIS systems

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

VIP Payroll

Sage Payroll

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Payroll Accountant to join their expanding finance department. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute to our client's success from anywhere in South Africa. You will be responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and company policies. This role demands a strong understanding of payroll systems, tax laws, and employee benefits administration. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proficient in payroll software, and possesses excellent communication skills to liaise with employees and relevant government bodies. As part of a supportive and collaborative team, you will play a vital role in ensuring our employees are compensated correctly and on time, in a truly remote-first work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly or monthly payroll accurately and efficiently for all employees.
• Ensure compliance with all South African payroll tax laws, including PAYE, UIF, and SDL.
• Manage employee data updates, including new hires, terminations, and changes to compensation.
• Reconcile payroll reports and identify any discrepancies for correction.
• Administer employee benefits programs, such as pension funds and medical aid.
• Prepare and submit relevant payroll tax returns and reports to SARS.
• Liaise with external payroll providers or government agencies as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation and best practices.
• Address employee queries regarding payroll and benefits promptly and professionally.
• Assist with payroll audits and provide necessary documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of direct experience in payroll processing and accounting.
• Proficiency with payroll software (e.g., VIP Payroll, Sage Payroll) and HRIS systems.
• In-depth knowledge of South African payroll regulations and tax laws.
• Strong understanding of general accounting principles as they relate to payroll.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Fully remote work arrangement with provided support.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in payroll and accounting.
• Be part of a dynamic and growing organization.
• Work-life balance supported by flexible working arrangements.
• Regular training on payroll compliance and best practices.