Payroll Manager

PTY; Potchefstroom; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in Potchefstroom seeks a Group Payroll Manager to lead and manage centralized payroll functions. Responsibilities include ensuring accurate and timely employee payments, overseeing payroll reconciliations, and integrating payroll operations with financial accounting. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree, strong knowledge of South African labour laws, and at least 10 years of payroll experience. This role offers an opportunity for strategic contributions in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years payroll experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Payroll-specific certification is an advantage (e.g., Sage VIP certification, SAPA membership, SARA).
• In-depth knowledge of South African payroll legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the centralized payroll function ensuring accurate and timely payment of employees.
• Oversee payroll-related reconciliations and ensure accurate reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement in payroll systems and processes.

Skills

Strong understanding of South African labour and tax laws

Excellent verbal & written communication skills

Excellent numerical and analytical skills

High attention to detail and accuracy

Ability to handle confidential information

Good interpersonal and communication skills

Strategic thinking and ability to improve payroll processes

Time management and ability to meet deadlines

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field

Tools

Payroll software (e.g. Sage, VIP, Payspace, SAP, Oracle, Workday)

Job description

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd | Permanent

Payroll Manager

Potchefstroom, South Africa | Posted on 26/01/2026

Our client based in Potchefstroom, North West is looking for a Group Payroll Manager to join their team.

The Group Payroll Manager is responsible for leading and managing the centralised payroll function within the organisation, ensuring the accurate and timely payment of employees in compliance with statutory regulations and internal policies. This role integrates payroll operations with financial accounting by overseeing the allocation of salary costs to the general ledger, managing payroll-related reconciliations, and ensuring accurate reporting. The manager also ensures the timely payment and compliance of third-party obligations, including tax authorities, benefit providers, and other statutory bodies. In addition, the role drives continuous improvement in payroll systems and processes, supports audit and risk management activities, and provides strategic insights to support financial planning and workforce management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field.
• 10+ years payroll experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Strong understanding of South African labour and tax laws
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills
• Payroll-specific certification is an advantage (e.g., Sage VIP certification, South African Payroll Association (SAPA) membership, SARA, etc.).
• Proficiency in payroll software (e.g. Sage, VIP, Payspace, SAP, Oracle, Workday)
• Understanding of integration with HR, finance, and timekeeping systems
• In-depth knowledge of South African payroll legislation
• Understanding of accounting & financial principles
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ethical and trustworthy with strong integrity.
• Strategic thinking and ability to improve payroll processes.
• Familiarity with employee benefits administration