29 Payroll Accountant jobs in South Africa

Reference: NPr -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

As the Accountant, you will oversee payroll and bookkeeping tasks , ensuring precision, promptness, and adherence to regulations . Responsibilities include managing payroll systems, updating records, and liaising with third-party providers. Additionally, the role involves handling HR agreements , financial statements , and collaborating with the HR, CFO, and Group Finance teams to enhance overall financial operations and foster professional growth. Success will be gauged by accurate payroll processing, regulatory compliance, effective HR and financial management, and productive collaboration with stakeholders.

Key qualifications and experience for the Payroll Accountant:

• Minimum bachelor's degree in Finance / Accounting
• 5+ years relevant experience
• Track record of bookkeeping and accounting (essential)
• Understanding of SA Tax (essential)
• Sage payroll system (advantageous)
• Payroll certification (advantageous)
• HR/Payroll experience (advantageous)
• Highly integrous and professional maturity - NB

Key duties for the Payroll Accountant include but are not limited to the following:

• Oversee the upkeep of systems to facilitate accurate processing of payroll transactions, encompassing salaries, benefits, taxes, and deductions to meet strict deadlines.
• Manage the timely and precise processing of payroll updates, paying strict attention to detail and compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• Compile and manage comprehensive records and reports documenting all transactions.
• Maintain accurate employee data, tracking hours worked, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for record-keeping.
• Stay abreast of and adhere to payroll laws and regulations across all jurisdictions where the organisation operates.
• Monitor changes in legislation, implementing necessary adjustments to processes, and ensuring adherence to best practices in administration.
• Coordinate with third-party service providers to ensure compliance and consistency in payroll operations across multiple international jurisdictions.
• Develop and assess budgets and forecasts related to payroll expenditures, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and financial targets.
• Track leave balances, process leave requests, and ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Investigate discrepancies, provide clarifications on payroll processes, and offer timely solutions to ensure payroll accuracy and employee satisfaction.
• Oversee the implementation and management of staff incentive schemes, including maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Maintain detailed financial records related to staff incentive schemes, ensuring transparency and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Facilitate the process of distributing funds to eligible beneficiaries of staff incentive schemes.
• Compile monthly management accounts and annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS.
• Prepare and file income tax returns accurately and on time, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and maximising tax efficiency for the organisation.
• Generate annual reports for beneficiaries of staff incentive schemes, including tax reporting requirements, to ensure transparency and compliance with legal obligations.
• Coordinate and manage the annual audit process, liaising with auditors and providing necessary documentation and support to ensure a smooth and efficient audit.
• Manage investments - prepare monthly accounts, annual investor reporting, and tax duties.
• In summary, main duties will include: bookkeeping, management accounts, draws/distributions administration, payroll preparation, financial statements preparation, staff reporting, debt covenant preparation and reporting, tax computations and beneficiary certs, leave administration, staff info requests and medical aid administration.

Key personal skills:

• High integrity and professional maturity
• Absolute confidentiality of personal and private information
• Diligence and firmness with high ethical standards

For this newly created role within the organisation, the client is looking for a reliable, committed candidate who they can invest in, and for a candidate who is looking for stability, growth, and longevity.

If you are passionate about a hybrid role in finance with a HR flair, and have experience in payroll accounting and compliance, then please get in touch to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

Go2Africa is an award-winning travel company harnessing passion and technology to create tailormade bucket-list African Safari experiences since 1998. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, our + 25-year success has stemmed from an unwavering dedication to providing expert, independent advice and 5-star service to our clients from the early travel planning phase until well after they return home.

Go2Africa has a strong following of guests and partners and an excellent, dominating SEO presence since its early days. At Go2Africa, we value our trusted relationships - whether that be with our travel partners, global client base or our Go2Africans and the vital role they play in supporting our growth trajectory and with that our contribution to conservation of wildlife, pristine wilderness areas and sustainable development of rural communities.

Always ambitious, even in times like COVID19, we added to our team of experienced professionals with the goal of keeping Go2Africa as the industry-leading authority in luxury African travel.

Role Summary:

Payroll Accountant for a company in the travel industry with a focus on payroll processing and accounting for the South African entities as well as working with the Financial Manager and HR Executives within the group for HR and payroll reporting requirements.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Payroll

• Calculation and management of salaries, ensuring staff are paid accurately and timely, recoveries of all relevant costs from staff salaries and related entries are captured correctly to the GL accounts and cost centres
• Monthly receiving of all salary information, ensuring that all salary changes are authorised and that correct documentation is received
• Capturing of all payroll changes on SAGE 300 People
• Monthly reconciliation of staff loans schedule, ensuring all staff loans are recovered timely manner and pre-authorised by management
• Monthly reconciliation and update the incentive schedule
• Print and reconcile Earnings and Deductions lists (payroll schedules)
• Review salaries with the Financial Manager
• Publish payslips to ESS; Assist with payslips queries or requests in a timely manner
• Import the salary journal into the accounting system and ensure the Excel salary spreadsheet net pay agrees with the accounting system salary import and salary payments made from the salary bank account
• Process salary month-end journals for errors and losses, staff loans, and salary cost allocations.

• Management of commission calculations, ensuring accurate calculations of commission due to staff/contractors
• Processing of commission payments to the GL, ensuring correct/accurate GL accounts and periods used, and reporting costs accurately
• Monthly calculation of commission to sales consultants
• Review commission calculations with the Financial Manager
• Forward commission statements to staff/contractors for review
• Attend promptly to any queries regarding commission calculations
• Capture the sales consultant commission payment batch in the normal banking profile and take it to the relevant parties to release
• Process independent contractor payments in the Standard Bank current account cash book

• Ensure company benefits are applied in line with the Nawiri Group policies for South African employees.
• Perform the monthly reconciliation of the benefits schedule/statement received from the medical aid schemes, retirement and pension funds to the total benefits in SAGE 300 People.
• Processing payments to the medical aid schemes, retirement and pension funds monthly.
• Liaising with the company brokers on any group benefit-related matters.

• Bi-annual payroll taxes reconciliation and filing of returns on SARS E-filing (IRP5 reconciliations)
• Annual payroll taxes reconciliation and filing of returns on SARS E-filing (EMP501)
• Monthly payroll taxes reconciliation and filing of returns on SARS E-filing (EMP201)
• Assist HR with annual CATHSETA reporting.
• Prepare and submit the annual WCA Return of Earnings.
• Collaborate with HR for the completion of UIF forms (staff on maternity leave)

• Ensure monthly journals are processed accurately and timely to the correct GL accounts, and relevant reconciliations are being performed:
  
  o Payroll costs import from SAGE 300 People journal
  
  o Commission deductions journal
  
  o Salary incentives accruals journal
  
  o Salary deduction journals

• Monthly review of balance sheet accounts - supporting schedules and recons for all balances
• Payroll Liability accounts (Medical Aid Control, Company Benefits Control, Salary Control, UIF Control, PAYE control, SDL control, Staff loans Control)
• Accrued Leave

• Maintain and update HR and payroll reporting, ensuring that they are updated timely, focusing on accuracy and usefulness of data
• Monthly: Update the HR reports once the month-end is completed, among other:
  
  o Staff turnover;
  
  o Payroll cost analysis Masterfile update;
  
  o Accrued leave balances - flagging excessive balances to managers, etc.
• Monthly: Update the Payroll reports once the month-end is completed
• Ad hoc reporting requests from HR Managers, Financial Manager and Managing Director

• Ensure all errors and losses recorded are reported to Management and recovered from staff or authorisation received for write off, minimising risk on unrecovered errors
• Monthly update of the error and loss report and send to Team Leaders/Managers
• Follow up on outstanding errors to ensure prompt recovery from staff
• Recording of error and loss forms received on the Under/Over spreadsheet
• Monthly update of the error and loss report on the MIS reporting directory

• Assist the Financial Manager in year-end close and audit of the payroll accounting to ensure a smooth audit/year-end with accurate reporting and minimal audit queries
• Assist in year-end preparation of schedules for the audit file
• Assist in year-end supplying information requested and resolving audit queries

• Keep up to date on the Senior Payroll Accountant role and serve as a backup when required

• Ensure monthly filing is up to date and filed in the correct files/sections
• Maintenance of email inbox and sub-folders
  
  • Timely response to emails and queries sent to the central payroll email box.

• Achieve all agreed goals, objectives and targets on a periodical and annual basis
• Set quarterly objectives for yourself and manage against achieved objectives

• B-Com Accounting degree or equivalent qualification/diploma in Bookkeeping OR
• Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll Processing with 5 years of experience.

• International financial management, complying with IFRS
• Accounting systems and procedures (SAGE Accpac advantageous)
• Payroll accounting
• Multi-country and multi-currency accounting
• Statutory requirements - PAYE, UIF, SDL
• Payroll management systems - (SAGE 300 People advantageous)
• Payroll accounting and reconciliations
• Contract negotiation, review and ability to read and understand contracts
• The travel industry would be advantageous

• Understand financial accounting and principals.
• Analytical skills, highly numeric.
• Computer skills, MS Office, SAGE Accpac (or equivalent), Internet banking, VIP/ SAGE 300 People, SARS E-filing
• Communication skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong presentation (written & oral).

• A self-starter with the ability to work in a cooperative manner whilst maintaining independence.
• Problem solving.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to see the big picture.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Confident and decisive.
• Results-driven.
• Accountability.
• Impeccable ethics and integrity.
• A natural team player with a willingness to contribute and to learn.
• Persuading and influencing- ability to operate and interact with senior stakeholders.
• Positive attitude.
• Stress and pressure management.

Overview

Payroll Accountant

• Reconciliation of Company Payroll Oracle FRG reports to payment summary for Mainrun and Midrun payments.
• Process payments to Company for Mainrun, Midrun and statutory charges.
• Process monthly payroll journal entries to account for the payroll runs and clear control accounts.
• Allocate payroll costs (like training, Oracle charges, etc.) from cost centre PAD to the correct BUs.
• Align and confirm ICPs with the Company.
• Detailed review of the PAD general ledger to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Prepare and process journals to reallocate staff costs between cost centres for all staff movements.
• Prepare Balance Sheet account reconciliations for all PAD control accounts and follow up with Company on outstanding matters.
• Headcount reconciliation liaising with Human Capital.
• Accounting for share trust recoveries.
• Process monthly journal entries for incentive provisions and ensure completeness and accuracy of the General Ledger.
• Prepare Balance Sheet account reconciliations for different incentive provision accounts.
• Assist BUs with payroll related queries.
• Budgeting & Forecasting.
• Update rolling monthly forecast for PAD cost centre in alignment with business expectation.
• Budgeting and forecasting for the incentive provisions and share based payment costs.
• Analyze actual performance vs forecast and provide variance explanations.
• Quarterly, bi-annual and annual reporting.
• Complete quarterly reports timeously and accurately.
• Assist with running reports and reconciliation of bonus and share trust payments.
• Provide auditors with all payroll reports and reconciliation and resolve audit and reporting queries.
• Assist with preparing the IRP5 recons and responding to tax queries.
• Build and maintain professional working relationships with all stakeholders (especially Group), displaying excellent abilities to initiate dialogue, listen, advise, influence and negotiate to achieve win-win outcomes.
• Engage stakeholders to obtain clear understanding of what is required by them.
• Understanding of all balances in TB and with accurate disclosure for reporting.
• Active participation in Finance transformation projects such as Project Prescient.

• BCom in Accounting, Payroll Administration an advantage
• 3 - 5 years payroll experience
• Banking, and financial services exposure beneficial
• Sound accounting and payroll principles
• Data Analytics
• KPI and metric creation and reporting

A leading organisation is looking for a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Accountant to join their Human Resources team. This role supports the Employee Benefits function with full payroll accounting responsibilities, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across multiple regions.
This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a deep understanding of payroll principles, tax regulations, and financial reporting.

As the Payroll Accountant, you will manage and reconcile payroll data, ensure compliance with payroll legislation, and support audits and reporting functions. The role spans payroll operations across South Africa, other African countries, and the UK, offering a diverse and engaging scope of work.

Key Responsibilities:
Oversee and manage the payroll process and general ledger functions across RSA, African countries, and the UK.
Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with applicable tax, benefits, and payroll deduction regulations.
Maintain payroll records and generate detailed reports for internal stakeholders and external statutory bodies.
Reconcile payroll accounts and promptly address discrepancies.
Collaborate closely with the Employee Benefits team to maintain up-to-date employee data and records.
Assist with internal and external audits related to payroll and benefits.
Develop and refine payroll processes to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Support broader finance and accounting functions where necessary.

Requirements:

Bachelor''s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
Minimum of 4 years relevant work experience, including:
At least 3 years in an accounting role focused on payroll and accounts payable.
At least 2 years experience managing or leading a team.
In-depth knowledge of payroll systems (e.g., Oracle), South African payroll laws, and accounting principles.
Strong Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in payroll software.
Experience in preparing detailed payroll reports and maintaining dividend statements.
Exposure to budgeting and forecasting processes across multiple regions (RSA and African countries).

Key Competencies
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Strong attention to detail and time management.
Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently or as part of a team.
Highly adaptable, resilient, and proactive.
Organised, systematic, and driven to deliver high standards of accuracy.

Description
Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.
Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with almost 90 years' experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa.

We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people's lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue?
We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and share a sense of urgency. People who have an impact in our teams and broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

Role Overview:
The Payroll Accountant is responsible for managing and overseeing the payroll operations across multiple countries within Zutari. The focus of this position is on the general ledger accounting of payroll transactions. This role requires an understanding of payroll processing this includes but are not limited to payroll processing and changes. The Payroll Accountant will support the Payroll Analyst in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing and general ledger accounting.

Role Responsibilities

• Process and manage end-to-end payroll for all employees, including salaried, hourly, and project-based/contract staff.
• Account for and reconcile payroll transactions in the general ledger.
• Collaborate with the People and Finance teams to ensure accurate employee data and benefits integration.
• Address employee enquiries related to payroll, deductions, and tax filings.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare monthly payroll journals for financial reporting.
• Perform general ledger accounting related to payroll, including posting payroll transactions, reconciling payroll-related accounts, and ensuring accurate integration with the financial system.
• Prepare payroll reports and supporting documentation for internal and external audits.
• Generate payslips and statutory reports using payroll software, NuQ.
• Support the digitalisation agenda by promoting paperless payroll processes.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or similar in Accounting or Finance
• Minimum 4 years of experience in payroll accounting, preferably working across multiple countries.
• Proven experience in payroll software and systems. Zutari is using NuQ.
• In-depth understanding of payroll processes and general ledger accounting

Skills

• Ms Office Proficiency – (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Communication skills– Ability to clearly explain payroll-related information to employees and work collaboratively with HR and Finance teams
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse data and reports of a financial nature.
• Independent worker and a self-starter.

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices. In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups within South Africa

Here's your chance to shine in a high-impact role with a top-tier logistics firm. As a Payroll Accountant, you'll be the guardian of accuracy, ensuring every digit and decimal is in perfect harmony. Your financial acumen will be the cornerstone of our client's success, supporting a vibrant workforce and propelling the company to new heights.

1. Champion the meticulous reconciliation of balance sheets and payroll postings, ensuring every penny is accounted for.
2. Take the reins during annual functions, skillfully managing earnings returns and liaising with medical aid providers.
3. Uphold the integrity of payroll through vigilant reviews, balancing, and compliance with financial acts and company policies.
4. Reconcile third-party payments with finesse, meeting deadlines and resolving discrepancies with a detective's keenness.
5. Deliver exceptional audit services, acting as the linchpin between payroll operations and auditing teams.
6. Elevate payroll services through insightful analysis, cash flow forecasting, and proactive process improvements.

1. A shining B.Com in Accounting or an equivalent beacon of knowledge.
2. 2-3 years of experience in accounting or auditing, demonstrating a track record of financial expertise.
3. A year's worth of experience with SAP is a golden feather in your cap (preferable, but not mandatory).

About the job Payroll Accountant (Perm)

Duties and responsibilities:

• Reconciliation of Company Payroll Oracle FRG reports to Company payment summary for Mainrun and Midrun payments.
• Make payments to Company for Mainrun, Midrun and Statutory charges
• Process monthly payroll journal entries to account for the payroll runs and clear control accounts
• Allocate payroll costs (like training, oracle charges etc) from cost centre PAD to the correct BUs
• Align and confirm ICPs with the Company
• Detailed review of the PAD general ledger to ensure completeness and accuracy
• Prepare and process journals to reallocate staff cost between cost centres for all staff movements
• Prepare Balance Sheet account reconciliations for all PAD control accounts and follow up with the Company on outstanding matters.
• Headcount reconciliation liaising with Human Capital
• Accounting for share trust recoveries
• Process monthly journal entries for incentive provisions and ensure completeness and accuracy of the General Ledger
• Prepare Balance Sheet account reconciliations for different incentive provision accounts
• Assist BUs with payroll related queries
• Update rolling monthly forecast for PAD cost centre in alignment with business expectation
• Budgeting and forecasting for the incentive provisions and share based payment costs
• Analyze actual performance vs Forecast and provide variance explanations
• Complete quarterly reports timeously and accurately
• Assist with running reports and reconciliation of bonus and share trust payments
• Provide auditors with all payroll reports and reconciliation and resolve audit and reporting queries
• Assist with preparing the IRP5 recons and responding to tax queries
• Build and maintain professional working relationships with all stakeholders, displaying excellent abilities to initiate dialogue, listen, advise, influence and negotiate to achieve win-win outcomes
• Engage stakeholders to obtain clear understanding of what is required by them
• Understanding of all balances in TB and with accurate disclosure for reporting
• Active participation in Finance transformation projects such as Project Prescient

• BCom in Accounting, Payroll Administration an advantage
• 3 - 5 years payroll experience
• Banking, and financial services exposure beneficial
• Sound accounting and payroll principles
• Data Analytics
• KPI and metric creation and reporting