Payroll Manager

Red Ember Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency in South Africa is looking for a Group Payroll Manager to ensure accurate and timely payment of employees while complying with statutory regulations. This role includes managing the payroll function, integrating payroll operations with financial accounting, and supporting continuous improvement in payroll processes. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in finance or HR, with at least 10 years of payroll experience and a strong understanding of South African labour laws.

Qualifications

• 10+ years payroll experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Payroll-specific certification is an advantage.
• Understanding of integration with HR, finance, and timekeeping systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the centralised payroll function.
• Ensure the accurate and timely payment of employees.
• Drive continuous improvement in payroll systems and processes.

Skills

Strong understanding of South African labour and tax laws

Excellent verbal & written communication skills

Advanced Computer literacy (MS Office)

Excellent numerical and analytical skills

High attention to detail and accuracy

Problem-solving mindset

Strategic thinking and ability to improve payroll processes

Education

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

Tools

Sage

VIP

Payspace

SAP

Oracle

Workday

Job description

Overview

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

Responsibilities

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.).
• Advanced Computer literacy (MS Office)
• 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.
• Problem-solving mindset.
• Strategic thinking and ability to improve payroll processes.
• Familiarity with employee benefits administration