Payroll and Tax Accountant

Old Mutual; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider in Johannesburg is seeking a Payroll Accountant to manage payroll and tax accounting for over 3,000 employees. This role involves ensuring compliance with payroll tax legislation, managing reconciliations, and maintaining accurate records. Ideal candidates have at least 5 years of experience in payroll accounting, a BCom degree, and proficiency in payroll systems like Oracle. The position offers opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in payroll accounting and payroll tax administration.
• Experience with large headcount payroll of 3,000+ employees.
• Hands-on experience in accounting for employee share schemes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit EMP201 and EMP501 submissions accurately and on time.
• Maintain general ledger accounts and prepare journal entries.
• Provide support for both internal and external audits.

Skills

Payroll tax legislation knowledge

Analytical problem solving

Attention to detail

Effective communication skills

Accounts reconciliation expertise

Ability to work under pressure

Education

BCom degree in Accounting, Tax, or related field

National Diploma in Payroll Administration

Professional qualification (e.g., SAPA, CPP)

Tools

Oracle Payroll Systems

MS Excel

Job description

Let's Write Africa's Story Together!

Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description

This role will be responsible to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll and tax accounting for a large workforce (3,000+ employees). The role encompasses managing payroll tax reconciliations, payroll processing and accounting, and general ledger functions, while ensuring legislative and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit EMP201 and EMP501 submissions and reconciliations across five payrolls or more, accurately and on time.
• Prepare PAYE, UIF, SDL, and SARS submissions accurately and timeously.
• Accounting for employee share schemes, including IFRS 2 compliance, fair value calculations, and related tax implications.
• Accurate recording and reconciliation of employee SARS codes across 5 payrolls or more (employees, brokers).
• Point of contact for IT88 administration and reconciliation.
• Update payment records on Easyfile.
• Administer employee deductions for company rental cars and annual reconciliation thereof.
• Accurate and timeous processing of all payroll reconciliations.
• Clearing of outstanding items on the reconciliations and ensuring that all outstanding items are investigated, valid explanations provided, and necessary follow ups and escalations performed.
• Maintain general ledger accounts and prepare journal entries for accruals and/or variances.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliation process and post unknown or unaccounted for transactions to relevant accounts.
• Track payroll bank statement and ensure all transactions are cleared up and allocated accordingly.
• Liaise with external departments to clear unallocated bank statement items.
• Ensure the clearing of all reconciling items and control accounts.
• Provide support for both internal and external audits.
• Prepare payroll tax reports for management and statutory purposes.
• Adhere to standard accounting principles and company procedures.
• Implement and maintain internal controls for payroll and tax processes.
• Ensure adherence to company policies and legislative requirements.
• Liaise with HR, Finance, and Tax on payroll tax matters.
• Provide guidance on payroll tax queries and compliance issues.
• Engage with SARS to ensure matters are resolved timeously.
• Act as additional support for Payroll Function (input capturing, medical aid recon).
• Perform additional duties as required to support departmental objectives.

Education

• BCom degree in Accounting, Tax, or related field.
• National Diploma in Payroll Administration or similar qualification can be advantageous.
• Professional qualification (e.g., SAPA, CPP, SAIPA, SAIT, CIMA) will be advantageous.

Experience and Knowledge Required

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in payroll accounting and payroll tax administration, including PAYE, UIF, SDL and SARS submissions.
• Experience with large headcount payroll (3,000+ employees).
• Monthly reconciliations, year-end tax submissions, and audit support.
• Hands‑on experience in accounting for employee share schemes, including IFRS 2 compliance, fair value calculations, and related tax implications.
• Proven ability to manage SARS reporting for share‑based payments, including IRP5 coding and reconciliation of equity compensation.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of payroll tax legislation and SARS requirements.
• Proficiency in payroll systems (e.g., Oracle) and MS Excel.
• Understanding of IFRS and tax accounting principles.
• Familiarity with SARS eFiling, EMP201/EMP501 submissions, and IRP5 reconciliations.
• Strong understanding of South African tax legislation and statutory requirements for payroll and share‑based compensation.

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles.
• Accounts reconciliation expertise.
• Payroll operations management.
• Analytical problem solving.
• Independent and collaborative work style.
• Integrity and confidentiality.
• Effective communication skills.
• Planning and organizational ability.
• Tax and payroll compliance knowledge.

The Recruitment Process

• TA Interview: discussion with Talent Acquisition Team to understand business, culture, values and role context.
• Panel Interview: with 2 members of Senior Leadership of Hiring Team and 1 member of HC Leadership Team.
• Technical & Psychometric Assessments: depending on role, may happen concurrently with external vetting and internal verification.
• Final Feedback.

Closing Date

29 December 2025, 23:59

Please note that, unfortunately, we cannot accept any applications after the closing date.