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Payroll Manager

Job in Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
Listing for: Adams & Adams
Full Time position
Listed on 2026-03-03
Job specializations:
  • HR/Recruitment
    HR Manager, Regulatory Compliance Specialist
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Description

Our success is built on attracting and nurturing exceptional talent while fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. We are deeply committed to the development and well-being of our people, striving to create an engaging work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. By empowering our team to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the workplace, we ensure that our clients receive the best possible service.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Payroll Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial integrity and full regulatory compliance, and payroll operational efficiency of the firm. The position is responsible for implementing and maintaining systems and procedures to ensure timely processing of payroll transactions, and achieve accurate and compliant processing of salaries, benefits, and statutory deductions for all employees and partners.

As the organisation's subject matter expert on payroll legislation, systems and processes, the Payroll Manager leads benchmarking initiatives, oversees year-end review activities, and drives continuous improvements in efficiency, compliance, and employee experience. The Payroll Manager also collaborates closely with Human Resources on matters relating to the operating model and workforce impacts, as required.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

South African Payroll Legislation (
PAYE, UIF, SDL, BCEA, SARS)

  • Ensure accurate calculation and deduction of PAYE, UIF, and SDL
  • Prepare and submit EMP
    201 and EMP
    501 reconciliations to SARS timeously
  • Monitor legislative changes and update payroll policies accordingly
  • Advise partners and HR on compliance with BCEA and tax regulations
  • Liaise with auditors and regulators during payroll audits
  • Attention to Detail and Accuracy

  • Validate payroll inputs (timesheets, allowances, deductions) before processing
  • Conduct monthly reconciliations between payroll reports and financial ledgers
  • Double-check partner remuneration structures for accuracy
  • Identify and correct discrepancies in employee records
  • Maintain precise documentation for audit and compliance purposes
  • Analytical and Problem-solving Skills

  • Investigate payroll variances and resolve discrepancies
  • Analyze payroll trends (e.g. overtime costs, benefit utilization)
  • Provide insights to management on cost-saving opportunities
  • Develop solutions for complex partner compensation structures
  • Optimize payroll workflows to reduce manual errors
  • Confidentiality and Integrity

  • Restrict access to payroll systems to authorized personnel only
  • Implement secure data storage and encryption protocols
  • Handle partner and employee salary queries with discretion
  • Train payroll employees on confidentiality policies
  • Ensure compliance with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act)
  • Payroll Software & HRIS Systems

  • Configure and maintain payroll software settings for accuracy
  • Generate reports for HR, Finance, and management decision-making
  • Integrate payroll systems with HRIS for seamless data flow
  • Troubleshoot system errors and liaise with vendors for support
  • Train staff on system functionality and updates
  • Managing Multiple Priorities Under Tight Deadlines

  • Coordinate payroll cycles with HR and Finance to meet cut-off dates
  • Balance statutory submissions, partner payments, and employee queries simultaneously
  • Develop contingency plans for system downtime or error
  • Prioritize urgent payroll issues without compromising accuracy
  • Lead payroll team to deliver under pressure during audits or year-end reconciliations
  • Requirements

    JOB SPECIFIC

    COMPETENCIES:

    Technical Competencies

  • Payroll system administration and troubleshooting
  • Statutory reporting and compliance (SARS submissions, EMP
    201/501 reconciliations)
  • Benefits administration (medical aid, pension/provident funds)
  • Data analysis and reporting
  • Audit preparation and support
  • Leadership Competencies

  • Ability to lead and mentor payroll team (as required
  • Effective stakeholder management across HR, Finance, and Legal teams
  • Change management skills to implement new systems or processes
  • Strategic thinking to align payroll operations with firm objectives
  • Strong communication skills to explain complex payroll matters clearly
  • EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field
  • 5 – 7 years payroll management experience, preferably in professional services or legal industry
  • In-depth knowledge of South African labour and tax legislation
  • Experience managing payroll for large employee bases (500+)
  • Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with payroll systems (e.g., Sage, SAP, Oracle, or similar)
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