Payroll Manager (C17)/Betaalstaat Bestuurder (C17)

Werkie; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A large-scale organization in Johannesburg seeks a skilled Payroll Manager to oversee payroll for over 3,000 employees. Responsibilities include leading the payroll team, ensuring compliance with South African legislation, and managing payroll processes. The ideal candidate has a relevant degree, extensive payroll experience, and proficiency in payroll software. This role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to shape payroll excellence across the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years’ payroll experience, including 7 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in high-volume payroll management (preferably 5,000+ employees).
• In-depth understanding of South African labour legislation, tax regulations, and NBC agreements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Payroll Supervisors and Administrators.
• Oversee and execute the payroll cycle for 3,000+ employees.
• Ensure compliance with South African labour legislation.
• Administer payroll-related third-party payments.
• Handle escalated payroll queries with professionalism.

Skills

Leadership & Team Management

Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving

Accuracy & Attention to Detail

Excellent Communication Skills

Time Management & Deadline Orientation

Integrity, Confidentiality & Professionalism

Process Improvement & Automation Mindset

Advanced Excel & Payroll Systems Proficiency

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Payroll Administration, Finance, or HR

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

Tools

Sage 300 People

Job description

Payroll Manager

Salary: R60 000 p/m
Location: Johannesburg – Head Office
Start Date: ASAP

About the Client
Join a large-scale, fast-growing organisation with 3,000+ employees across multiple regions. This company thrives on operational excellence and values accuracy, compliance, and employee trust. With a strong national footprint, they are looking for a skilled Payroll Manager to take ownership of their payroll function and ensure seamless execution across all levels.

Role Overview

As the Payroll Manager, you will lead and manage a team of Payroll Supervisor and Administrators. Your mission is to deliver accurate and timeous payroll, maintain compliance with South African legislation and bargaining council agreements, and partner with HR & Finance to safeguard data integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and manage the Payroll team to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
• Oversee and execute the payroll cycle for 3,000+ employees with multiple shifts and earning structures.
• Ensure compliance with BCEA, Labour Relations Act, Income Tax Act, UIF, PAYE, SDL, NBC wage agreements, and Skills Development Levies.
• Partner with HR & Finance to align payroll data across systems.
• Administer payroll-related third-party payments (medical aid, pension/provident funds, SARS, UIF, SDL, NBC, garnishee orders).
• Conduct reconciliations, generate payroll reports, and ensure timely statutory submissions (EMP201, EMP501, IRP5s, ROE, Equity).
• Handle escalated payroll queries with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Drive continuous improvements, audits, policy development, and system efficiencies.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Payroll Administration, Finance, or HR (BCom Degree or higher preferred).
• Payroll Management certification (e.g., SAPA, SAGE) advantageous.
• Minimum 10+ years’ payroll experience, including 7 years in a leadership/managerial role.
• Proven experience in high-volume payroll management (preferably 5,000+ employees).
• Strong working knowledge of Sage 300 People (essential).
• In-depth understanding of South African labour legislation, tax regulations, and NBC agreements.

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership & Team Management
• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Accuracy & Attention to Detail
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Strong Time Management & Deadline Orientation
• Integrity, Confidentiality & Professionalism
• Process Improvement & Automation Mindset
• Advanced Excel & Payroll Systems Proficiency

Key Relationships

• Finance Department
• HR Department
• Payroll Supervisor & Administrators
• Managers & Department Heads
• External Auditors & SARS
• NBC & Union Stakeholders

If you are ready to lead a payroll team, ensure compliance, and uphold accuracy across thousands of employees, this is the role for you. Apply now and take charge of shaping the future of payroll excellence!