Payroll Manager

Red Ember Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations in Cape Town. The ideal candidate will have experience in payroll administration and supervisory skills, ensuring compliance with South African labour laws. This role demands a strong proficiency in SAGE software and advanced Excel skills. Join a dedicated team focused on accuracy and confidentiality in employee compensation management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of payroll administration experience in a medium to large-scale organization.
• Proven supervisory experience with payroll teams.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour laws and tax regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end payroll cycle across multiple locations.
• Supervise payroll administrators and provide performance feedback.
• Prepare and submit all required statutory returns.

Skills

SAGE Payroll

Advanced Excel

Attention to detail

Analytical mindset

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Payroll, Accounting, or related field

Tools

SAGE software

Job description

Overview

At Red Ember Recruitment, we provide HR, Payroll, and Talent solutions that drive real business value.

Our experienced team helps businesses streamline processes, optimise workforce management, and achieve growth.

We handle recruitment from interns to executives, bulk hiring, response management, and specialised headhunting, alongside HR consulting, payroll support, and talent management.

Job Description

We are currently recruiting for a Payroll Manager to join our client based in the East of Cape Town's City Centre.

Summary The Payroll Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of employee compensation across the Retail & Wholesale organization.

This position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of payroll operations, from data collection and calculation to statutory compliance and reporting.

The Payroll Manager ensures adherence to South African labour legislation, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Income Tax Act, UIF, and SDL regulations.

With a strong focus on accuracy, confidentiality, and efficiency, the Payroll Manager supports the HR and Finance departments by delivering reliable payroll outcomes that contribute to employee satisfaction and organizational integrity.

This role also involves supervising payroll staff, optimizing payroll processes, and driving continuous improvement through technology and best practices.

As a key strategic partner, the Payroll Manager ensures payroll remains a seamless, compliant, and trusted function within the business.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the end-to-end payroll cycle for a large and diverse workforce across multiple locations.

Ensure % accuracy and timeliness in the processing of monthly, bi-weekly, and ad-hoc payroll runs.

Maintain compliance with all statutory requirements, including PAYE, UIF, SDL, and contributions to pension and medical aids.

Conduct regular reconciliation of payroll data with HR systems, time and attendance records, and financial ledgers.

Supervise and mentor a team of payroll administrators, providing guidance, performance feedback, and professional development.

Troubleshoot and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee queries, and system errors promptly and effectively.

Prepare and submit all required monthly, quarterly, and annual statutory returns to relevant government departments.

Implement and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and documentation in line with company standards and legal requirements.

Collaborate with HR and Finance teams on employee onboarding, offboarding, salary adjustments, bonuses, and benefits administration.

Utilize SAGE to manage payroll data, generate reports, and ensure system integrity and data security.

Leverage advanced Excel skills for complex data analysis, reporting, and payroll forecasting.

Identify process inefficiencies and lead initiatives to improve automation, accuracy, and compliance.

Support audits and external reviews by providing complete, accurate, and well-documented payroll records.

Requirements

Grade 12 NQF Level 4 with a minimum of a National Diploma or Degree in Payroll, Accounting, or a related field (NQF Level 5).

Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in payroll administration within a medium to large-scale organization, preferably in the Retail & Wholesale sector.

Proven supervisory or management experience with a team of payroll professionals.

Demonstrated proficiency in SAGE Payroll module, including configuration, data management, and reporting.

Advanced Excel skills including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, macros, and complex formulae for payroll analysis and reconciliation.

In-depth knowledge of South African labour laws, tax regulations, and statutory compliance requirements.

Strong attention to detail, analytical mindset, and ability to manage multiple deadlines under pressure.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.

High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.

Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

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