Payroll Controller

RecruitMyMom; Remote; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the logistics and transport sector is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Controller to manage payroll and benefits functions remotely. The successful candidate will require strong knowledge of local tax legislation and multi-country payroll operations. A Bachelor's degree in Finance or Human Resources is essential alongside 5 years' experience, including cross-border payroll management. Expertise in Sage 300 and proficiency in English and Afrikaans are also needed to thrive in this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in payroll management, including at least 3 years managing cross-border payrolls.
• Demonstrated experience processing payroll for Namibia and Botswana.
• Advanced spreadsheet and data analysis capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Process monthly payroll for employees across South Africa and other African countries.
• Ensure compliance with payroll, tax, and labour legislation across multiple jurisdictions.
• Administer and maintain payroll systems and employee self-service platforms.

Skills

Fluent in English and Afrikaans

Advanced proficiency in Sage 300

Strong analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field

Job description

A leading company in the logistics and transport sector is seeking a detail-oriented SAGE 300 experienced remote-working Payroll Controller to manage and execute all payroll and benefits functions. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timely processing of salaries across multiple countries, including South Africa and broader African regions. This role requires a strong understanding of local tax legislation, statutory reporting requirements, and internal company policies. The opportunity allows fully remotely working with office hours from 08:30 - 17:00. Preference will be given to candidates based in the Winelands and Cape Peninsula. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multi-country payroll operations in a fast-paced environment.Safeguarding confidentiality, and ensuring that all payroll processes align with regulatory standards and best practices.

This opportunity reports to the HR Manager.

Duties & Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

• Process monthly payroll for employees across South Africa and other African countries, including Namibia and Botswana.
• Ensure compliance with payroll, tax, and labour legislation across multiple jurisdictions.
• Stay up to date with payroll and tax laws in Namibia and Botswana to ensure correct statutory deductions and filings.
• Reconcile monthly payroll journals, third-party payments, and general ledger entries in coordination with finance teams.
• Ensure accurate and timely submissions of statutory contributions, compliance reports, and levy payments.
• Administer and maintain payroll systems and employee self-service platforms.
• Prepare and submit statutory and annual reconciliation, including EMP201, EMP501, and IT3 certificates.
• Collaborate with auditors, HR, and finance teams to ensure transparent and accurate payroll reporting.

Benefits and Service Provider Liaison

• Support HR in administering employee benefits, including medical aid, provident funds, and risk benefits.
• Liaise with brokers and benefits service providers to ensure accurate data, timely updates, and resolution of issues.
• Accurately process all employee benefit changes, such as new joiners, terminations, and salary adjustments.
• Monitor and reconcile benefit deductions and payments monthly.
• Assist in periodic reviews of benefit structures to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
• Coordinate benefit renewals and communicate updates in collaboration with HR and service providers.

Continuous Improvement and Compliance

• Develop and maintain payroll and benefits policies, procedures, and internal controls in collaboration with HR and finance teams.
• Drive process improvements to enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and reporting capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with data protection legislation, including POPIA, and maintain confidentiality of employee information.

Requirements

• Fluent in English and Afrikaans
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field
• Payroll or taxation certification would be advantageous
• Experienced on Sage 300
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in payroll management, including at least 3 years managing cross-border payrolls
• Demonstrated experience processing payroll for Namibia and Botswana, with sound knowledge of relevant tax and labour legislation
• Strong understanding of industry payroll compliance and reporting requirements
• Advanced proficiency in leading payroll systems and employee self‑service platforms
• Experience administering employee benefits and coordinating with external service providers
• Proven ability to perform payroll reconciliation, support audits, and contribute to financial reporting
• Comprehensive knowledge of multi‑country payroll compliance and statutory reporting
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder and vendor engagement
• High level of integrity with the ability to manage confidential information
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Advanced spreadsheet and data analysis capabilities
• Ethical, precise, and detail‑oriented approach
• Proactive and solution‑focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capability
• Confidence in managing complex payroll and benefits environments