Payroll Manager

Network Contracting; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Contracting is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee end-to-end payroll for 1,500+ employees across multiple entities.

You will lead a payroll team, act as PaySpace Super User, ensure SARS compliance, and drive process improvements while maintaining strict confidentiality.

The role emphasizes accuracy, regulatory compliance, and efficient payroll operations under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Payroll, Accounting, Finance or HR is advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years' payroll experience.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in payroll management or team leadership.
• Proven experience with high-volume, multi-entity payrolls of 1,500+ employees.
• Advanced PaySpace / PaySpace Super User experience is essential.
• Advanced MS Excel skills (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, reconciliations).
• Strong SARS eFiling/EasyFile experience including EMP201/EMP501.
• Experience with statutory submissions and entity registrations.
• Knowledge of SA payroll legislation and statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly payroll processing across multiple entities and 1,500+ employees.
• Lead and manage the payroll team, including performance management and development.
• Act as PaySpace Super User: configuration, access controls, system rules.
• Review payroll inputs including appointments, salary changes, variable pay, clocking data and terminations.
• Perform payroll reconciliations and prepare management reports.
• Manage payroll payment processes and related financial controls.
• Complete SARS EMP201 and EMP501 submissions and IRP5 processes.
• Manage UIF, COIDA/WCA, Bargaining Councils and Provident Funds submissions.
• Assist with registration of new entities with statutory bodies.
• Ensure compliance with SA payroll legislation and maintain payroll controls.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes for accuracy and efficiency.

Skills

Payroll leadership

PaySpace proficiency

MS Excel

SARS eFiling

Education

Payroll/Finance/HR degree or diploma

Tools

PaySpace

Job description

Company and Job Description

An established organisation is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager / Head of Payroll to manage its payroll function and lead a team of Payroll Officers. The role is responsible for the end-to-end administration of a high-volume, multi-entity payroll covering 1,500+ employees, with responsibility for payroll processing, statutory compliance, reconciliations, controls and system administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee monthly payroll processing across multiple entities and 1,500+ employees.
• Lead and manage the payroll team, including workflow allocation, performance management and development.
• Act as the PaySpace Super User, including system configuration, parameter changes, access controls and system rules.
• Review and process payroll inputs including new appointments, salary changes, variable pay, clocking data and terminations.
• Perform payroll reconciliations and prepare management and financial reports.
• Manage payroll payment processes and related financial controls.
• Complete and oversee SARS EMP201 and EMP501 submissions and IRP5 processes.
• Manage statutory submissions and reconciliations relating to UIF, COIDA/WCA, Bargaining Councils and Provident Funds.
• Assist with the registration of new entities with relevant statutory bodies.
• Ensure payroll processes comply with applicable South African legislation and statutory requirements.
• Maintain payroll controls and identify opportunities to improve processes, accuracy and efficiency.

Job Experience and Skills Required

• A Diploma or Degree in Payroll, Accounting, Finance or Human Resources is advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years' payroll experience.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a payroll management or team leadership role.
• Proven experience managing high-volume, multi-entity payrolls of 1,500+ employees.
• Advanced PaySpace / PaySpace Super User experience is essential.
• Advanced MS Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, data matching and reconciliations.
• Strong experience with SARS eFiling/EasyFile, including EMP201 and EMP501.
• Experience with payroll statutory submissions and entity registrations.
• Knowledge of South African payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage strict deadlines while maintaining payroll accuracy.
• High level of confidentiality and integrity when handling payroll information.