Payroll Manager

Salix Recruitment; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Salix Recruitment is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager in South Africa to lead and oversee the payroll function. The role focuses on accurate, timely salary processing, statutory compliance and driving improvements across payroll systems.

You will manage and develop a payroll team, review inputs and payments, and liaise with SARS on employee tax matters while ensuring data accuracy and strong internal controls.

Qualifications

• 10 years experience in payroll management and administration.
• Proven experience leading and developing a payroll team.
• Strong accounting and financial management knowledge.
• Advanced knowledge of payroll tax and statutory compliance.
• Solid understanding of South African tax legislation and employment conditions.
• Experience with payroll systems, reconciliations and payroll reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll function and ensure accurate, timely salary processing.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, SARS requirements and payroll tax obligations.
• Lead, mentor and develop the payroll team.
• Review and authorise payroll inputs, salary payments and third-party payments.
• Oversee payroll reconciliations, reporting and maintaining records.
• Manage payroll changes including new appointments, terminations and salary adjustments.
• Manage payroll terminations across the organisation.
• Liaise with SARS regarding employee tax matters and payroll queries.
• Coordinate annual payroll audits.
• Review, implement and improve payroll policies, procedures, systems and controls.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance for payroll administration and reporting.
• Ensure processes are efficient, accurate and compliant with requirements.

Skills

End-to-end payroll management

Advanced payroll tax knowledge

SARS compliance

Payroll systems management

Team leadership

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

Confidentiality & information handling

Planning & deadline management

Education

Matric - Grade 12

BCom Degree with Accounting

Job description

Our client, a well-established organisation within the financial services sector, is seeking an experienced and technically strong Payroll Manager to lead and oversee its payroll function.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the accurate and efficient delivery of payroll operations, maintaining statutory and legislative compliance, managing the payroll team and driving continuous improvements across payroll systems and processes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional with strong financial acumen, advanced payroll tax knowledge and proven people management capabilities.

You are a hands-on payroll leader who combines strong technical payroll expertise with financial understanding and the ability to lead a high-performing team. You are detail-oriented, solutions-driven and comfortable managing complex payroll operations while ensuring accuracy, compliance and operational efficiency.

Duties:

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll function and ensure accurate, timely salary processing.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, SARS requirements and payroll tax obligations.
• Lead, manage, mentor and develop the payroll team.
• Review and authorise payroll inputs, salary payments and third-party statutory payments.
• Oversee payroll reconciliations, reporting and maintenance of accurate payroll records.
• Manage employee payroll changes, including new appointments, terminations, salary adjustments and other changes.
• Manage payroll terminations across the organisation.
• Liaise with SARS regarding employee tax matters and payroll-related queries.
• Coordinate and oversee annual payroll audits.
• Review, implement and improve payroll policies, procedures, systems and internal controls.
• Work closely with HR and Finance to ensure effective payroll administration and reporting.
• Ensure payroll processes are efficient, accurate and aligned with organisational requirements.

Job Experience & Skills Required:

Qualifications:

• Matric - Grade 12
• BCom Degree with Accounting

Experience:

• 10 years experience in payroll management and administration.
• Proven experience managing and leading a payroll team.
• Strong accounting and financial management knowledge.
• Advanced knowledge of payroll tax and statutory compliance.
• Solid understanding of South African tax legislation and employment conditions.
• Experience with payroll systems, reconciliations and payroll reporting.
• Strong leadership, analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Skills & Competencies:

• End-to-end Payroll Management
• Advanced Payroll Tax Knowledge
• SARS Compliance & Statutory Reporting
• PAYE, UIF, SDL, EMP201 & EMP501
• Payroll Reconciliations & Financial Reporting
• Accounting & Financial Management
• Payroll Auditing & Internal Controls
• South African Tax and Labour Legislation
• Payroll Systems Management & Implementation
• Team Leadership, Coaching & DevelopmentPayroll Process Improvement
• Analytical Thinking & Problem-Solving
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy
• Stakeholder & Relationship Management
• Planning, Organisation & Deadline Management
• Confidentiality & Information Management

If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider the vacancy application unsuccessful. Your profile will be kept on our database for any other suitable roles / positions.