Payroll Manager

PTY; Durban; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd | Permanent is seeking a Payroll Manager in Durban to optimize payroll workflows, ensure accuracy and compliance, and support reporting and analytics in a fast-paced environment. The role requires strong Excel skills, HRIS experience, and meticulous data handling.

The ideal candidate will drive payroll process improvements, collaborate with finance and HR, and contribute to audits and compliance efforts within a Durban-based team.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in payroll, finance, accounting, HR, business management or related field.
• Relevant payroll certifications advantageous.
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in payroll processing or payroll systems analysis.

Responsibilities

• Optimize and improve payroll processing workflows and systems.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing.
• Support payroll system enhancements, automation, and reporting.
• Conduct payroll reconciliations and data analysis.
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, tax regulations, and company policies.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and process efficiency.
• Support audits and resolve payroll discrepancies.

Skills

Payroll processing

HRIS

Excel

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Diploma or Degree in Payroll, Finance, Accounting, HR, Business Management, or related field

Payroll certifications

Tools

HRIS platforms

Payroll systems

Job description

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd | Permanent

Payroll Manager

Durban, South Africa | Posted on 04/09/2026

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking a Payroll Processing Engineer (Analyst) on behalf of our client based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing payroll processes, improving system efficiencies, ensuring payroll compliance, and supporting payroll reporting and analytics within a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize and improve payroll processing workflows and systems
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing
• Support payroll system enhancements, automation, and reporting
• Conduct payroll reconciliations and data analysis
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, tax regulations, and company policies
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and process efficiency
• Support audits and resolve payroll discrepancies
  

Requirements

Education

• Diploma or Degree in Payroll, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Business Management, or related field
• Relevant payroll certifications will be advantageous

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in payroll processing or payroll systems analysis
• Experience working with payroll systems and HRIS platforms
• Strong experience in payroll reconciliations, reporting, and compliance
• Proven experience in process improvement and payroll optimization
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills advantageous
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to handle confidential information professionally
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment