Payroll Manager

Red Ember Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager for a client based in Johannesburg. The role involves managing payroll for over 3,000 employees, ensuring compliance with South African legislation, and leading a team of Payroll Supervisors. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of payroll experience with strong knowledge of the Sage 300 People system. This position offers a challenging environment with opportunities for process improvement.

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, especially for 5,000+ employees.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour legislation and tax regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Payroll Supervisors and Administrators.
• Oversee payroll for 3,000+ employees.
• Ensure compliance with South African labour legislation.
• Conduct monthly and annual payroll reconciliations.
• Handle complex payroll queries professionally.

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

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

Tools

Sage 300 People

Excel

Job description

Job Description

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

The role leads and manages the payroll function for a large-scale, growing workforce of 3,000+ 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 Supervisor and Administrators to ensure efficient payroll processing.
• Oversee the preparation and processing of the full payroll cycle for 3,000+ employees across multiple regions, with multiple shifts and earning structures.
• Ensure accurate and timeous payroll execution on Sage 300 People (Payroll & HR) system.
• Scrutinize all processing done by payroll team, this includes but not limited to, 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 but not limited to, overtime, commissions, incentives, bonuses, allowances, medical aids, insurance, uniforms, maternity, NBC, etc. (preferably 5,000+ 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).