Our client, a well-established government organisation, is seeking a Payroll Manager to oversee their payroll function. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for all employees, while managing a payroll budget of approximately R250 million annually.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Oversight: Manage the monthly payroll process, ensuring the accurate and timely distribution of salaries and benefits.

• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with South African tax laws (SARS), the Labour Act, and internal policies. Prepare and reconcile statutory payroll reports and tax certificates.

• Budget Management: Administer the distribution of employee-related costs, ensuring compliance with internal financial controls.

• Team Leadership: Supervise payroll staff and provide ongoing assistance to employees regarding payroll-related matters.

• System and Process Improvement: Collaborate with HR and ICT teams to enhance payroll systems and processes, ensuring functionality, accuracy, and compliance.

• Coordination and Collaboration: Interface with HR Administration on garnishee orders, stop orders, and deductions; work with internal and external auditors for payroll audits.

Key Skills and Qualifications

• Registration with a professional body: South African Payroll Association.
• Advanced training in SAGE Payroll Administration.

• Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (preferred).

• Experience:  6 years of payroll experience + 4-5 years of managerial experience in the Public Sector environment.

• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and manage payroll teams effectively.

• Attention to Detail: High degree of accuracy in managing large payroll budgets and employee records.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to liaise with employees and senior management.

• Technical Proficiency: Experience with payroll systems and ERP applications.