37 Payroll Accountant jobs in South Africa

Payroll Accountant

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: SA | Central | Johannesburg

Description

This role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely recording of payroll into SYSPRO's financial systems, while supporting and validating calculations performed by HR. A focus on global payroll considerations is essential. The Payroll Accountant uses their technical knowledge and experience to build, test and improve the payroll support process and all related systems, and owns the payroll interface into the general ledger for accurate recording, cost coding and analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Strong contributor to the development and continuous improvement of a system of internal control and sound governance regarding all aspects of human capital compensation.
• Guide HR in validating payroll calculations, ensuring consistency with contracts and statutory requirements.
• Own the monthly payroll interface into the general ledger, including correct cost allocations.
• Reconcile payroll accounts monthly, including PAYE, UIF, SDL, pension/provident funds and medical aid.
• Automate processes and systems, while building controls that ensure such automation results in accurate financial information.
• Maintain accurate payroll-related GL codes, cost centres and master data.
• Review and support submission of statutory returns and third-party reconciliations in South Africa (EMP201s, IRP5s, etc) and around the globe.
• Where regional nuances are not known, be a keen learner of all aspects of human capital compliance and processing.
• Prepare audit schedules and support internal and external payroll-related audits.
• Assist with process improvement, controls documentation, and automation of recurring payroll-related tasks.
• Identify risks, suggest improvements, and provide technical payroll guidance across entities.
• Liaise with HR, external payroll providers and finance teams globally to ensure alignment and compliance.

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related payroll discipline
• Certification or Diploma in human capital and/or payroll processing
• Completed articles or payroll-specific accreditation is an advantage

• Minimum 5 years of experience in payroll accounting
• Strong working knowledge of payroll-related legislation and tax rules
• Experience capturing payroll costs and reconciling across multiple entities or cost centres
• Experience working with and evolving payroll systems and general ledger systems

• Strong advanced Excel proficiency - mandatory
• Use of payroll programs such as Sage, SimplePay, ADP or other - mandatory
• Experience with SYSPRO ERP, especially the Finance module - advantageous
• Experience with outsourced payroll providers and their systems - advantageous

• Organized, strong administrative skills and a very structured approach to work.
• Excellent reporting skills, in terms of financial and non-financial data, how to construct meaningful report components and design the layout so that it best conveys the results accurately.
• Detail oriented, good at project management concepts and a driver of efficiency.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines, be proactive and inclusive.
• Systems thinking and the ability to create and pursue common goals.
• Knowledge of (or at least the ability to competently be curious about) financial legislation, tax rules and all other statutory laws, policies and procedures.

Payroll Accountant

Requirements

• BCom Accounting Degree
• Minimum of 10 years of financial experience
• At least 5 years of payroll experience, including Sage 300
• Experience in payroll taxation and employee tax compliance (RSA and cross-border)
• Knowledge of General Ledgers and Reconciliations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet multiple deadlines
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and payroll information
• This is a fast-paced position

Recruiter Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (Malawi) Limited

Let's Write Africa's Story Together!

Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description

The Recruitment Process:

• TA Interview: This will be a discussion with a member of the Talent Acquisition Team to give you an understanding of our business, our culture & values and more context on the role. It will also allow us the opportunity to get to know you more and ensure OMI can meet your career aspirations.
• Panel Interview: This will be with 2 members of the Senior Leadership of the Hiring Team and 1 member of the HC Leadership Team.
• Technical & Psychometric Assessments: These will depend on the role and will sometimes happen concurrently with Vetting through an external service provider & Internal Verification.
• Final Feedback.

• Maintain payroll records in compliance with legal and audit requirements
• Reconcile payroll-related GL accounts on a regular basis, identifying and resolving discrepancies
• Ensure proper classification and allocation of payroll costs.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Liaise with HR and Finance teams to align payroll and accounting practices.
• Assist in audits (internal, external, tax) by preparing payroll reports and supporting documentation.
• Stay current on payroll laws, tax regulations, and accounting standards.
• Contribute to process improvements and system enhancements for payroll and accounting workflows.
• Act as support to the Payroll Consultants for Input capturing and queries resolutions.
• Ensure compliance with Payroll controls.

• Strategic: Reconciliations.
• Planning: Time management and deadline driven.
• Meticulous: Be detail oriented and pay attention to accuracy.
• Confidentiality: Understand the nature of Payroll, employee data and sensitivity aligned to sharing of employee financial records.

• BCom Accounting.
• 3 - 5 years' experience in Payroll processing and Payroll Reconciliations.
• Strong knowledge of Payroll Administration.
• Strong understanding of payroll systems and accounting software
• Advanced Excel skills.

Join to apply for the Payroll Accountant role at Old Mutual South Africa

Join to apply for the Payroll Accountant role at Old Mutual South Africa

Let's Write Africa's Story Together!

Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Let's Write Africa's Story Together!

Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description

The Recruitment Process:

• TA Interview: This will be a discussion with a member of the Talent Acquisition Team to give you an understanding of our business, our culture & values and more context on the role. It will also allow us the opportunity to get to know you more and ensure OMI can meet your career aspirations.
• Panel Interview: This will be with 2 members of the Senior Leadership of the Hiring Team and 1 member of the HC Leadership Team.
• Technical & Psychometric Assessments: These will depend on the role and will sometimes happen concurrently with Vetting through an external service provider & Internal Verification.
• Final Feedback.
  
  

• Maintain payroll records in compliance with legal and audit requirements
• Reconcile payroll-related GL accounts on a regular basis, identifying and resolving discrepancies
• Ensure proper classification and allocation of payroll costs.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Liaise with HR and Finance teams to align payroll and accounting practices.
• Assist in audits (internal, external, tax) by preparing payroll reports and supporting documentation.
• Stay current on payroll laws, tax regulations, and accounting standards.
• Contribute to process improvements and system enhancements for payroll and accounting workflows.
• Act as support to the Payroll Consultants for Input capturing and queries resolutions.
• Ensure compliance with Payroll controls.
  
  

• Strategic: Reconciliations.
• Planning: Time management and deadline driven.
• Meticulous: Be detail oriented and pay attention to accuracy.
• Confidentiality: Understand the nature of Payroll, employee data and sensitivity aligned to sharing of employee financial records.
  
  

• BCom Accounting.
• 3 – 5 years’ experience in Payroll processing and Payroll Reconciliations.
• Strong knowledge of Payroll Administration.
• Strong understanding of payroll systems and accounting software
• Advanced Excel skills.
  
  

• Seniority level Mid-Senior level

• Employment type Full-time

• Job function Human Resources

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Let's Write Africa's Story Together!

Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity, and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description

The Recruitment Process:

1. TA Interview: Discuss with a Talent Acquisition Team member to learn about our business, culture, values, and the role. It also provides an opportunity for us to understand your career aspirations.

2. Panel Interview: Conducted with 2 members of the Senior Leadership of the Hiring Team and 1 member of the HC Leadership Team.

3. Technical & Psychometric Assessments: Depending on the role, these may occur concurrently with vetting through an external provider and internal verification.

4. Final Feedback.

All About OMI:

LinkedIn Post

Please note that applications will not be accepted after the closing date.

This role seeks a highly skilled Payroll Consultant with strong accounting knowledge to support payroll processing, GL accounting, and reconciliation activities. The goal is to ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and seamless integration with financial systems.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain payroll records in compliance with legal and audit requirements.
• Reconcile payroll-related GL accounts regularly, resolving discrepancies.
• Ensure proper classification and allocation of payroll costs.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Liaise with HR and Finance to align payroll and accounting practices.
• Assist in audits by preparing reports and documentation.
• Stay updated on payroll laws, tax regulations, and accounting standards.
• Contribute to process improvements for payroll and accounting workflows.
• Support Payroll Consultants with input capturing and query resolution.
• Ensure compliance with payroll controls.

Essential Traits:

• Strategic: Reconciliation skills.
• Planning: Time management and deadline orientation.
• Meticulous: Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Confidentiality: Handle employee data sensitively.

Minimum Requirements:

• BCom in Accounting.
• 3-5 years' experience in payroll processing and reconciliation.
• Strong payroll administration knowledge.
• Understanding of payroll systems and accounting software.
• Advanced Excel skills.

Skills: Accounting, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Management, Human Capital Management Systems, Numerical Aptitude, Oral Communication, Payroll Laws, Policies & Procedures, Report Review.

Competencies: Business Insight, Collaboration, Effective Communication, Decision Making, Accountability, Financial Acumen, Managing Complexity, Process Optimization.

Education: Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accountancy, NQF Level 3 & 2.

Closing Date: 24 August 2025, 23:59.

The appointment will align with Old Mutual South Africa's Employment Equity Plan.

The Old Mutual Story!

Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description

The Recruitment Process:

TA Interview: This will be a discussion with a member of the Talent Acquisition Team to give you an understanding of our business, our culture & values and more context on the role. It will also allow us the opportunity to get to know you more and ensure OMI can meet your career aspirations.

Panel Interview: This will be with 2 members of the Senior Leadership of the Hiring Team and 1 member of the HC Leadership Team.

Technical & Psychometric Assessments: These will depend on the role and will sometimes happen concurrently with Vetting through an external service provider & Internal Verification.

Please note that, unfortunately, we cannot accept any applications after the closing date

Let's Write Africa's Story Together!

Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description

The Recruitment Process:

• TA Interview: This will be a discussion with a member of the Talent Acquisition Team to give you an understanding of our business, our culture & values and more context on the role. It will also allow us the opportunity to get to know you more and ensure OMI can meet your career aspirations.

• Panel Interview: This will be with 2 members of the Senior Leadership of the Hiring Team and 1 member of the HC Leadership Team.

• Technical & Psychometric Assessments: These will depend on the role and will sometimes happen concurrently with Vetting through an external service provider & Internal Verification.

• Final Feedback.

All About OMI:

Please note that, unfortunately, we cannot accept any applications after the closing date

Responsibilities

• Maintain payroll records in compliance with legal and audit requirements
• Reconcile payroll-related GL accounts on a regular basis, identifying and resolving discrepancies
• Ensure proper classification and allocation of payroll costs.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Liaise with HR and Finance teams to align payroll and accounting practices.
• Assist in audits (internal, external, tax) by preparing payroll reports and supporting documentation.
• Stay current on payroll laws, tax regulations, and accounting standards.
• Contribute to process improvements and system enhancements for payroll and accounting workflows.
• Act as support to the Payroll Consultants for Input capturing and queries resolutions.
• Ensure compliance with Payroll controls.

The following traits are essential:

• Strategic: Reconciliations.
• Planning: Time management and deadline driven.
• Meticulous: Be detail oriented and pay attention to accuracy.
• Confidentiality: Understand the nature of Payroll, employee data and sensitivity aligned to sharing of employee financial records.

Minimum Requirements:

• BCom Accounting.
• 3 – 5 years’ experience in Payroll processing and Payroll Reconciliations.
• Strong knowledge of Payroll Administration.
• Strong understanding of payroll systems and accounting software
• Advanced Excel skills.

Skills

Competencies

Education

Closing Date

The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.

The Old Mutual Story!

Old Mutual is a premium African financial services organisation that offers a broad spectrum of financial solutions to retail and corporate customers across key market segments in 14 countries. The lines of business include Life and Savings, Property and Casualty, Asset Management and Banking and Lending.
We are rooted in our purpose of Championing Mutually Positive Futures Every Day and believe that a great customer experience is anchored in a great employee experience.

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: SA | Central | Johannesburg

This role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely recording of payroll into SYSPRO’s financial systems, while supporting and validating calculations performed by HR. A focus on global payroll considerations is essential. The Payroll Accountant uses their technical knowledge and experience to build, test and improve the payroll support process and all related systems, and owns the payroll interface into the general ledger for accurate recording, cost coding and analysis.

• Strong contributor to the development and continuous improvement of a system of internal control and sound governance regarding all aspects of human capital compensation.
• Guide HR in validating payroll calculations, ensuring consistency with contracts and statutory requirements.
• Own the monthly payroll interface into the general ledger, including correct cost allocations.
• Reconcile payroll accounts monthly, including PAYE, UIF, SDL, pension/provident funds and medical aid.
• Automate processes and systems, while building controls that ensure such automation results in accurate financial information.
• Maintain accurate payroll-related GL codes, cost centres and master data.
• Review and support submission of statutory returns and third-party reconciliations in South Africa (EMP201s, IRP5s, etc) and around the globe.
• Where regional nuances are not known, be a keen learner of all aspects of human capital compliance and processing.
• Prepare audit schedules and support internal and external payroll-related audits.
• Assist with process improvement, controls documentation, and automation of recurring payroll-related tasks.
• Identify risks, suggest improvements, and provide technical payroll guidance across entities.
• Liaise with HR, external payroll providers and finance teams globally to ensure alignment and compliance.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related payroll discipline
• Certification or Diploma in human capital and/or payroll processing
• Completed articles or payroll-specific accreditation is an advantage

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in payroll accounting
• Strong working knowledge of payroll-related legislation and tax rules
• Experience capturing payroll costs and reconciling across multiple entities or cost centres
• Experience working with and evolving payroll systems and general ledger systems

Systems and Tools

• Strong advanced Excel proficiency – mandatory
• Use of payroll programs such as Sage, SimplePay, ADP or other – mandatory
• Experience with SYSPRO ERP, especially the Finance module – advantageous
• Experience with outsourced payroll providers and their systems – advantageous

Abilities

• Organized, strong administrative skills and a very structured approach to work.
• Excellent reporting skills, in terms of financial and non-financial data, how to construct meaningful report components and design the layout so that it best conveys the results accurately.
• Detail oriented, good at project management concepts and a driver of efficiency.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines, be proactive and inclusive.
• Systems thinking and the ability to create and pursue common goals.
• Knowledge of (or at least the ability to competently be curious about) financial legislation, tax rules and all other statutory laws, policies and procedures.

Are you an ambitious Payroll Accountant? Are you a Tax Wizard? Are you immediately available? If you meet the criteria above, please apply so that I can assist you with your next career move as our client seeks a Payroll and Tax Accountant.

• BCom Accounting
• Sound knowledge of payroll and tax
• SARS E-Filing
• JDE Systems

• BCom Accounting
• Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation
• Sound knowledge of payroll and tax
• SARS E-Filing
• JDE Systems

• Experience working with Shared Services (Advantageous)
• Minimum 5 years as a Tax Practitioner
• Understand how to draft opinions on tax incomes
• Reconciliations and General Ledger
• Tax Returns
• IRP5 Returns and Recons
• Weekly and monthly payroll

Taking the next step in your career means that you are one step closer to success. Please apply ASAP .

R 650 000

Reference: NPr000775-PAM-1

Are you a meticulous and detail-oriented individual with a passion for numbers and administration?

My client is currently seeking a Payroll Accountant to join their team in Johannesburg East. As a Payroll Accountant, you will play a vital role in ensuring the accurate processing of payroll and statutory returns while providing client satisfaction and retention.

Roles and responsibilities:

1. Handle and manage the full payroll function efficiently and accurately.

1. Proven experience in payroll administration or a related field.
2. Proficiency in relevant payroll software and systems.
3. Strong understanding of statutory payroll requirements and regulations.
4. Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
5. Ability to prioritize tasks and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
6. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
7. Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
8. Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and integrity.
9. Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification preferred.

Join this dynamic team and contribute to the smooth and efficient operation of their payroll processes. If you meet the requirements and are ready to take on this exciting opportunity, we would love to hear from you. We invite you to apply directly or reach out to Pabalelo Morena.

If you have not received any response in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.

R 300 000 - R 350 000 Annually