Payroll Team Leader

EnableSA Recruitment; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

EnableSA Recruitment in Port Elizabeth is seeking an experienced Payroll Team Leader to oversee end-to-end payrolls across multiple entities, ensuring accurate payments and compliance.

The role requires strong Excel skills, SA labour law knowledge, and a proven track record of leading payroll teams in high-volume environments; you will coordinate with SARS, auditors, and drive process improvements.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 and a relevant payroll qualification or degree.
• Diploma or Degree in Payroll, HR, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Payroll certification or related qualification is advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years’ payroll experience in a multi-company environment.
• Minimum 2 years’ supervision/leadership of a payroll team.
• Experience processing a minimum of 6 payrolls.
• Experience with high-volume payroll processing.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations, month-end processes.
• SARS submissions and statutory reporting knowledge.
• Experience with payroll and HRIS systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Payspace payroll experience advantageous.
• Strong systems aptitude for large payroll datasets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end processing of payrolls across multiple entities.
• Ensure accurate calculation and payment of salaries, deductions, and leave.
• Review and approve payroll data before processing.
• Ensure transactions are processed within deadlines.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and escalations.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records and supporting documentation.
• Manage monthly, bi-annual, and annual SARS submissions.
• Prepare payroll journals and assist with general ledger reconciliations.
• Lead and develop the payroll team to maintain service levels.
• Monitor workloads and team performance.
• Provide payroll analytics and insights to management.

Skills

Team supervision

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

SA labour legislation knowledge

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Education

Grade 12

Diploma or Degree in Payroll, HR, Finance, Accounting, or related field

Payroll Administration certification or related payroll qualification

Tools

Payspace

Job description

Position: Payroll Team Leader

Location: Port Elizabeth

Requirements:

• Grade 12
• Diploma or Degree in Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, or a related field
• Payroll Administration certification or related payroll qualification will be advantageous
• Minimum 5 years' payroll experience within a multi-company payroll environment
• Minimum 2 years' experience supervising or leading a payroll team
• Experience with processing a minimum of 6 payrolls essential
• Experience managing high-volume payroll processing
• Experience with payroll reconciliations and month-end payroll processes
• Experience with SARS submissions and statutory reporting requirements
• Experience working with payroll and HR information systems
• Strong understanding of South African labour legislation, payroll taxation, employee benefits, and statutory reporting requirements
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Payspace payroll experience will be advantageous
• Strong systems aptitude and ability to work with large payroll datasets

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the end-to-end processing of payrolls across multiple entities and payroll cycles
• Ensure the accurate calculation and payment of salaries, wages, overtime, allowances, commissions, bonuses, deductions, and leave payments
• Review and approve payroll data before final processing
• Ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and within established deadlines
• Resolve payroll discrepancies, queries, and escalations efficiently
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records and supporting documentation
• Ensure compliance with all relevant South African legislation and statutory requirements, including Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Labour Relations Act (LRA), Income Tax Act, PAYE Regulations, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Skills Development Levy (SDL), Employment Equity requirements where applicable
• Manage monthly, bi-annual, and annual SARS submissions
• Ensure the accurate preparation and submission of EMP201, EMP501, IRP5, and IT3(a) documentation
• Liaise with SARS, auditors, benefit providers, and relevant regulatory bodies when required
• Remain up to date with legislative and payroll compliance changes
• Perform and oversee payroll reconciliations, including PAYE, UIF, SDL, Retirement funds, medical aid contributions and Garnishee orders and deductions
• Manage month-end payroll processes and reporting requirements
• Prepare payroll journals and assist with general ledger reconciliations
• Generate payroll reports and provide management with relevant payroll analytics and insights
• Assist with financial audits and payroll audits
• Lead, supervise, and support the payroll team to ensure high levels of service delivery
• Allocate workloads and monitor team performance
• Train, mentor, and develop payroll staff to enhance capability and performance
• Conduct regular performance discussions and identify development opportunities