Assistant Payroll Manager

Description

To support the Group Payroll Manager in overseeing payroll operations by ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing compliance with relevant legislation and delivering excellent service to employees. The role includes managing payroll staff resolving complex payroll issues and driving process improvements.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Grade 12 or equivalent qualification
• Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources or related field.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Payroll Practitioner (CPP) or Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA) will be an advantage

REQUIRED MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years experience in payroll administration and processing at a junior management level.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Manage the full payroll cycle for all employees ensuring accurate calculations of wages, benefits, deductions and taxes and ensure payroll is processed within the timelines stipulated under the service level agreement (SLA) with business units.
• Maintain payroll data integrity and collaborate with HR and Finance to ensure data consistency and integrity.
• Compile and submit accurate worksheets for annual increases and bonuses to business units.
• Prepare monthly payroll reports and generate costing reports for business units and ensure accuracy.
• Participate in internal and external audits and ensure full compliance with audit requirements and resolve findings promptly.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of mid-year and year-end statutory reports to SARS and COID.
• Maintain compliance with labour laws and statutory bodies (UIF, SDL, COID).
• Supervise and mentor payroll staff conduct performance reviews and coordinate training.
• Assist in developing and refining payroll policies and procedures identify inefficiencies and implement improvements to enhance accuracy and reduce risk.
• Contribute to budget preparation and ensure adherence to financial limits.
• Provide support to business on payroll-related projects including assistance during mergers and acquisitions.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE/COMPETENCIES

• Proficiency in payroll systems (e.g. SAP, Sage, VIP)
• Strong knowledge of South African labour laws and tax regulations
• Advanced Excel skills and ability to manage large data volumes
• Understanding of payroll GL postings and HR systems
• Knowledge of employee benefits administration
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Familiarity with data protection and POPIA compliance
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Integrity and confidentiality
• Time management and results-driven
• Leadership and team management
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Customer focus and collaboration

Closing Date: 27 November 2025

Please note that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Applicants who have not heard from us within 30 days of the closing date may assume that their applications have been unsuccessful and are hereby thanked for their interest.

The filling of this position will be aligned with AFGRI's Employment Equity Policy.

Applicants are informed that in order to be considered for any application for employment we will have to process their personal information. The Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) provides that when one processes another's personal information, such collection, retention, dissemination and use must be done in a lawful and transparent manner.

In order to give effect to this right, we are under a duty to provide you with a number of details pertaining to the processing of your personal information. These details are housed under the HR Processing Notice which can be accessed and viewed on the AFGRI Group website. The HR Processing Notice we request that you kindly download and read.