Payroll Manager

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 550 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Payroll Manager in Johannesburg to manage payroll for a workforce of 3000 employees. The role includes leading a team of Payroll Supervisors, ensuring accurate payroll processing, compliance with South African labour legislation, and performing payroll reconciliations. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of payroll experience, ideally with a strong knowledge of Sage 300 People. This full-time position expects leadership skills and the ability to handle complex payroll queries with discretion.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of payroll experience with at least 7 years in a payroll leadership or managerial role.
• Proven experience managing high-volume payroll with multiple shift and earning structures.
• Strong working knowledge of Sage 300 People payroll system (essential).
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour legislation and tax regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and mentor a team of Payroll Supervisors and Administrators.
• Oversee the preparation and processing of payroll for 3000 employees.
• Ensure compliance with relevant labour legislation and internal policies.
• Conduct monthly and annual payroll reconciliations.

Skills

Leadership & Team Management

Analytical Thinking

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Time Management

Problem Solving

Integrity & Confidentiality

Process Improvement

Systems Proficiency

Education

Grade 12

Relevant tertiary qualification in Payroll Administration, Finance, HR or equivalent (BCom Degree or higher)

Certification in Payroll Management (e.g. SAPA, SAGE certification)

Tools

Sage 300 People

Excel

Job description

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking on behalf of our client a Payroll Manager to join their team based in Kaya Sands Johannesburg.

The role leads and manages the payroll function for a large-scale growing workforce of 3000 employees overseeing a team of Payroll Supervisors and Administrators. Ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing in line with company policies South African labour legislation and bargaining council agreements while maintaining employee trust and satisfaction through timely salary payments and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and mentor a team of Payroll Supervisors and Administrators to ensure efficient payroll processing.
• Oversee the preparation and processing of the full payroll cycle for 3000 employees across multiple regions with multiple shifts and earning structures.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll execution on Sage 300 People (Payroll & HR) system.
• Scrutinize all processing done by payroll team, including overtime, commissions, incentives, bonuses, allowances, medical aids, insurance, uniforms, maternity, NBC, terminations, new staff and all changes to existing staff.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant labour legislation including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Labour Relations Act, Income Tax Act, UIF, PAYE, NBC and Skills Development Levies.
• Ensure alignment and compliance with National Bargaining Council (NBC) wage agreements and industry-specific regulations.
• Administer and reconcile all payroll-related third-party payments such as medical aid, pension/provident funds, SARS, UIF, SDL, NBC, loans and garnishee orders.
• Conduct monthly and annual payroll reconciliations and provide detailed payroll reports to Finance and HR departments.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of all statutory returns and payroll-related declarations (EMP201, EMP501, IRP5s, ROE, Equity, etc.).
• Handle complex payroll queries and escalations in a professional and confidential manner.
• Drive continuous improvement in payroll processes and system efficiencies.
• Partner with HR and Finance to ensure data integrity and alignment across systems.
• Stay updated on legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll and advise management accordingly.
• Assist with internal and external payroll audits and ensure all controls are in place and documented.
• Develop and implement payroll policies, procedures and best practices.
• Generate review and submit payroll summaries to Finance and HR.
• Generate, review and investigate payroll variances and changes to payroll weekly and monthly.
• Review, investigate and resolve all payroll-related queries of employees with payroll team.
• Double check reports needed for shareholders sent via CFO.
• Perform all other ad hoc payroll duties assigned from time to time.

Requirements

• Grade 12
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Payroll Administration, Finance, HR or equivalent (BCom Degree or higher).
• Certification in Payroll Management (e.g. SAPA, SAGE certification).
• Minimum 10 years of payroll experience with at least 7 years in a payroll leadership or managerial role.
• Proven experience managing high-volume payroll with multiple shift and earning structures including overtime, commissions, incentives, bonuses, allowances, medical aids, insurance, uniforms, maternity, NBC, etc. (preferably 5000 employees).
• Strong working knowledge of Sage 300 People payroll system (essential).
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour legislation, tax regulations, ROE, Equity, PAYE/IRP5, Medical Aids, NBC collective agreements and BCEA.

Skills and Competencies

• Leadership & Team Management: Ability to inspire, lead and manage a payroll team effectively to meet deadlines, work effectively and accurately.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong numerical and analytical skills to identify errors and interpret data accurately.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for managing the payroll team, handling queries, timelines and expectations, as well as presenting reports.
• Time Management: Planning is of utmost importance. Able to manage tight deadlines and work under pressure. Speed and accuracy in performance.
• Problem Solving: Proactive and solution-oriented in resolving payroll discrepancies and issues.
• Integrity & Confidentiality: High ethical standards and ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Process Improvement: Experience in streamlining payroll processes and improving payroll processing, reviews, as well as implementing automation where possible.
• Systems Proficiency: Advanced skills in Excel and payroll systems (especially Sage 300).

Required Education

• Grade 12
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Payroll Administration, Finance, HR or equivalent (BCom Degree or higher).
• Certification in Payroll Management (e.g. SAPA, SAGE certification).

Key Skills Dayforce, Paychex, Payroll Management, Ceridian, Paylocity, SOX, Payroll, ADP, Kronos, Human Resources, JD Edwards, Workday

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1