Payroll and Tax Compliance Specialist

PTY; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd in Cape Town is seeking a highly experienced Payroll and Tax Compliance Specialist to lead Sage 300 payroll configuration, governance, and statutory compliance. You will work from a consulting/advisory perspective with strong SARS exposure.

The role covers payroll processing, reconciliations, and tax year-end activities while ensuring robust internal controls and regulatory reporting. Previous SARS audits and advisory experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or related field.
• 5–8 years’ experience in payroll and tax compliance.
• Proven expertise in Sage 300 payroll configuration (non-negotiable).
• Strong working knowledge of SARS legislation and submissions.
• Consulting, advisory or audit background is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with South African payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• Oversee accurate processing of payroll, including earnings, deductions, benefits and statutory contributions.
• Review and validate payroll reconciliations prior to submission.
• Implement and maintain payroll controls to mitigate compliance risk.
• Manage PAYE, UIF, SDL, and other statutory submissions to SARS.
• Oversee EMP201/EMP501 submissions and annual reconciliations.

Skills

Payroll governance

SARS compliance

Sage 300 configuration

Regulatory reporting

Payroll reconciliations

Internal controls

Advisory & consulting

Stakeholder engagement

System configuration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Sage 300

Job description

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd | Contract

Payroll and Tax Compliance Specialist

Cape Town, South Africa | Posted on 12/03/2026

We are seeking a highly experienced Payroll and Tax Compliance Specialist with advanced expertise in Sage 300 system configuration, payroll governance, and statutory tax compliance. The ideal candidate will come from a consulting or advisory background, with strong exposure to SARS compliance, payroll audits, reconciliations, and regulatory reporting. This role will be responsible for ensuring full legislative compliance, system integrity, and the implementation of robust financial and payroll controls.

Responsibilities:

Payroll Compliance and Governance:

• Ensure full compliance with South African payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
  
• Oversee accurate processing of payroll, including earnings, deductions, benefits, and statutory contributions.
  
• Review and validate payroll reconciliations prior to submission.
  
• Implement and maintain payroll controls to mitigate compliance risk.
  

Tax Compliance and SARS Reporting:

• Manage PAYE, UIF, SDL, and other statutory submissions to South African Revenue Service.
  
• Oversee EMP201 and EMP501 submissions and annual reconciliations.
  
• Ensure compliance with Income Tax Act and payroll-related tax regulations.
  
• Liaise directly with SARS on audits, verifications, and compliance queries.
  
• Manage tax year-end processes and IRP5 reconciliations.
  

Sage 300 System Configuration and Controls:

• Configure and optimise payroll and GL modules within Sage 300.
  
• Maintain system integrity, payroll structures, and control frameworks.
  
• Implement configuration changes in line with legislative updates.
  
• Drive automation and system enhancements to improve accuracy and efficiency.
  
• Provide technical support and guidance on Sage 300 payroll functionality.
  

Reconciliations and Financial Controls:

• Perform and review monthly payroll and statutory reconciliations.
  
• Reconcile payroll to the General Ledger and financial statements.
  
• Ensure accuracy of provisions, accruals, and payroll journals.
  
• Strengthen internal controls and audit trails.
  

Advisory and Consulting Approach:

• Provide strategic guidance on payroll compliance best practices.
  
• Support internal and external audits.
  
• Conduct payroll compliance risk assessments.
  
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within payroll and tax functions.
  
• Expert knowledge of tax and payroll legislation.
  
• Strong reconciliation and analytical capability.
  
• High attention to detail and compliance accuracy.
  
• Strong stakeholder engagement and advisory skills.
  
• Systems-driven with a focus on governance and control.
  
• Ability to operate independently and manage regulatory deadlines.
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
  
• 5–8 years’ experience in payroll and tax compliance.
  
• Proven expertise in Sage 300 payroll configuration (non-negotiable).
  
• Strong working knowledge of SARS legislation and submissions.
  
• Consulting, advisory, or audit background highly advantageous.