22 Payroll Analyst jobs in South Africa

We’re Hiring: Payroll/Benefits Accountant  

An exciting contract opportunity has opened up at a leading law firm in Sandton (CBD) .

Role: Payroll/Benefits Accountant
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg
Contract: Month-to-month 

Key Responsibilities:

• Compile payroll input and payroll accounting to trial balance

• Reconciliations of payroll and benefits accounts

• Coordinate benefits-related payments (medical aid, provident fund, etc.)

• Statutory reporting to SARS (PAYE, UIF, SDL, EMP201/501)

• Month-end payroll journals, reporting & reconciliations

• Partner earnings schedules & loan statements

Requirements:

• B.Com Accounting or 3-year Accounting diploma (articles advantageous)

• 3–5 years’ payroll, benefits, and accounting experience (professional services preferred)

• Advanced Excel skills

• Strong statutory compliance knowledge

This is a fantastic chance to join a respected firm on a flexible contract basis.

#PayrollAccountant #BenefitsAccountant #SandtonJobs #FinanceCareers #NowHiring #AccountingJobs

The Role

Location:
To create the best experience for this employee and to meet the business needs, this role requires you to be based up to +5.5 UTC as you will be supporting Italian payroll operations.

Role Summary

Are you a payroll professional who believes that the best operational support is accurate, reliable, and client-focused? Do you enjoy ensuring processes run smoothly and providing clear, supportive answers? We invite you to join our Payroll Operations Team at Oyster as a Payroll Specialist.

The Payroll Operations team is the engine behind Oyster's promise to deliver a seamless global employment experience through accuracy, compliance, and outstanding support. As a Payroll Specialist, you will be a key contributor to this mission. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your expertise in a global environment, focusing on flawless payroll execution and assisting clients with their day-to-day inquiries.

Your solid knowledge of payroll principles and proficiency with professional payroll software is the foundation for this role. However, your ability to communicate clearly, your attention to detail, and your desire to learn will be the key to your success and growth at Oyster. You will be supported by a team of experts to ensure our clients feel understood and confident at every step.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll transactions for employees in Italy, following established procedures and checklists.
• Respond to routine payroll inquiries from employees and clients, providing clear and helpful information in line with our SLAs, and escalate more complex cases to the Senior Payroll Specialist.
• Perform regular data reconciliations and audits before and after payroll runs to support the overall data integrity of our system.
• Assist in preparing and submitting accurate payroll records and reports to relevant government agencies as directed.
• Support key payroll and HR procedures, such as managing deductions and assisting with employee onboarding and offboarding data collection.
• Stay up-to-date with fundamental local payroll regulations to ensure compliance in day-to-day tasks.
• Assist in maintaining our payroll knowledge base and playbooks by flagging outdated information and documenting standard procedures.
• Support the Senior Payroll Specialist and the wider team on special projects and process improvement initiatives as required.

Minimum Requirements

• 2 - 3 years of hands-on experience in processing the end-to-end payroll cycle for Italy, with a solid understanding of local taxation, compliance, and labor laws.
• Proficiency and hands-on experience using a major enterprise-level payroll software.
• Experience contributing to payroll transition projects.
• A proactive mindset with a genuine interest in process improvement and technology.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets, including the use of functions like VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage tasks effectively to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced, fully remote environment.

Bonus Points If You Have.

• Clear and professional communication skills in Italian, with the ability to explain payroll topics to employees and clients.
• A recognized local payroll qualification or certification.
• Experience working with Zucchetti payroll software.
• Broader HR administration experience beyond pure payroll.
• Previous experience in a high-growth, global technology company.
• Exposure to payroll in other countries.

You'll also need

• A reliable home internet connection (or be able to get one)
• Fluent English language skills

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our finance team. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in payroll administration, statutory compliance, and tax matters, with strong technical knowledge of SAGE One and SAGE 300 systems.

Key Responsibilities

-Process and manage the full monthly payroll cycle using SAGE One and SAGE 300.

-Ensure full compliance with South African payroll legislation and statutory requirements (PAYE, UIF, SDL, COIDA, Pension/Provident Fund, etc.).

-Maintain accurate employee payroll records, including new appointments, terminations, and adjustments.

-Prepare and reconcile payroll reports and ensure timely payments.

-Handle all payroll-related employee queries professionally and confidentially.

-Prepare and submit EMP201 and EMP501 reconciliations and support SARS year-end submissions (IRP5).

-Assist with payroll audits and ensure all supporting documentation is compliant and up to date.

-Liaise with HR and Finance teams to ensure payroll accuracy and alignment with financial reporting.

Tax & Compliance Responsibilities

Demonstrate working knowledge of SARS processes including VAT, Corporate Income Tax (CIT), and PAYE submissions.

Assist with SARS Objections, Appeals, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes when required.

Support the finance team with compliance reviews and reconciliations across multiple tax areas.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance.

4–5 years of payroll processing experience in a medium to large organization.

Proficient in SAGE One and SAGE 300 Payroll systems.

Strong understanding of South African payroll and tax legislation.

Advanced Excel and reconciliation skills.

Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Advantageous

Completion of SAIPA or SAICA articles.

Experience handling SARS correspondence, tax compliance reviews, or audit support.

Exposure to multi company or group payroll environments.

Personal Attributes

High integrity and professionalism.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person

Company Description

Dunlop Tyres SA, part of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd, stands as an iconic tyre brand with over 130 years of unbroken history. Renowned for quality, innovation, and motorsport milestones, Dunlop manufactures its tyres in a state-of-the-art plant in Ladysmith. Distributed through the Dunlop Zone network across South Africa and various distributors in Africa, Dunlop is committed to precision, unparalleled quality, and professional service. The tyres meet or exceed the stringency of international performance and safety standards, catering to a wide range of motoring applications.

Role Description

We are seeking a Payroll Specialist who will be a key contributor to the Human Resources team, ensuring the smooth and accurate execution of payroll processes. This role demands precision, confidentiality, and a proactive approach to managing both weekly wage and monthly salaried payrolls.

You'll be responsible for processing timesheets, overtime, as well as handling employee lifecycle events such as engagements, promotions, terminations, and transfers. Your work will directly impact employee satisfaction and compliance with financial and regulatory standards.

In addition to payroll processing, you'll manage the distribution of payslips, reconcile payroll inputs, and generate detailed reports for internal stakeholders.

This role requires strong analytical skills, a customer-focused mindset, and the ability to work collaboratively with line managers, supervisors, and finance teams. You'll be expected to maintain up-to-date employee records, ensure timely third-party payments, and continuously improve payroll processes.

Requirements

• Minimum: Diploma in Human Resources Management, Finance or Payroll certification
• Degree in Human Resource

Experience

• 3 years experience in a similar role

Skills

• Strong numerical ability and attention to detail
• Excellent customer service orientation
• Proficiency in Excel and Payspace
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities

Send your detailed CV to:

, with the Job Title in the subject line.

Closing date: 10 October 2025

• Record and file employee information and movements such as transfers, terminations, engagements, retrenchments, changing of bank details in order to obtain and update payroll records.
• Receiving, capturing and processing all salary input data from relevant resources.
• Ensuring correctness of input.
• Ensuring day -to -day functions of payroll are performed while offering support to management and staff by dealing with related queries.
• Assist with 3rd party reconciliation and maintain relationship with external 3rd parties.
• Adhoc duties.
• Off-cycle runs.
• Effective planning and organizing to ensure cut-off, payment, reporting or month end deadline are met.
• Proactive payroll risk identification and mitigation in line with company standards, policies and procedures.

• Creating and assisting with report requests.

• Tertiary qualification in Finance/Payroll Administration or HR.

• Payroll Administration experience.
• Proficient in SAGE Payroll.
• Deep knowledge of local income tax legislation and practices.
• Strong analytical approach, budget management skills.
• Experience in liaising and managing 3rd party service providers.
• Strong communications and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Who We Are

Prime Investments is a distinguished, award-winning financial services group, regulated and operating across South Africa, Guernsey, Mauritius, and Botswana. With a team of over 85 professionals—spanning offices in the above jurisdictions, we specialise in fund services including administration, accounting, investor services, and multi-jurisdictional distribution. Our expertise supports both traditional and alternative fund structures and mandates, ensuring tailored solutions for a diverse client base.

What Sets Us Apart

At Prime Investments, we believe that exceptional service begins with empowered people. We foster a culture where trust, autonomy, and collaboration are paramount. We don't track time or micromanage—we work with capable, committed individuals and trust them to deliver their best. Our environment is transparent, supportive, and driven by a shared enthusiasm for excellence—both in how we serve our clients and how we support one another.

Function Overview

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the end-to-end administration of payroll operations. This includes processing payroll, ensuring statutory compliance, managing employee benefits, handling payroll queries, and supporting system upgrades and audits. The role requires a high level of accuracy, confidentiality, and knowledge of payroll legislation and systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll roll over and processing of monthly payroll.
• Implement necessary changes to employee records and payroll data.
• Reconcile employee benefits with payroll system (e.g., Life Cover, Medical Cover, Retirement Annuities).
• Generate and analyse payroll reports.
• Submit recoveries to relevant employers for approval.
• Submit employee salaries to Netcash.
• Distribute employee payslips.
• Submit Retirement Annuity (RA) amounts to finance for payment processing.
• Perform statutory reconciliations (SDL, UIF, PAYE) and submit via E-Filing.
• Submit UIF declarations.
• Address ad-hoc payroll queries from employers and employees.
• Monitor compliance with payroll-related legislation and internal policies.
• Support payroll system upgrades and testing of new features.
• Provide training and support to HR and finance teams on payroll processes.
• Prepare documentation and reports for internal and external audits.
• Maintaining payroll data in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
• Direct interaction with SARS for statutory submissions and resolving discrepancies
• Payroll responsibilities during onboarding and offboarding (e.g., final pay, leave encashment, exit documentation).
• Managing payroll timelines, deadlines, and communication of cut-off dates to stakeholders.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance payroll efficiency and accuracy.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in payroll legislation and best practices.
• Assist with the setup of performance management metric within the payroll system.

Required Skills & Experience

• Diploma in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in payroll administration.
• Experience working on Payspace (Deel) highly advantageous.
• Proficiency in payroll software and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Founded in 1988, our mission at Dream Hotels & Resorts is to deliver dynamic and exceptional hospitality solutions in Africa that connect local and global travelers to our communities in a sustainable and relevant manner. With a growing portfolio of 22 properties, including exclusive membership and ownership opportunities, we have adopted a more purposeful approach to the guest experience, leading with greater compassion and intent and creating a healthy balance between our actions, our communities, and the environment.

Here at Dream Hotels & Resorts, we actively reimagine a brighter future together. As we continue to expand extraordinary travel experiences, we will continue to challenge ourselves to lead with purpose, ensuring that we act with accountability and local impact.

Job Overview
The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and the administration of employee benefits. This role ensures compliance with statutory requirements, supports employee queries, manages leave and timekeeping records, and maintains accurate reporting for payroll and benefits. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, accurate, and able to work independently while supporting the People and Finance teams.

Key Responsibilities
Payroll Administration

• Process end-to-end payroll accurately and on time.
• Ensure compliance with payroll laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Prepare and reconcile statutory submissions (SARS EMP201/EMP501, UIF, SDL, IRP5s, etc.).
• Manage payroll-related queries and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain payroll records, including garnishees, pension schedules, union schedules, and staff loans.

Time & Attendance

• Maintain employee time and attendance records (EcoTime or equivalent).
• Ensure accurate capturing of leave and sick leave.
• Perform payroll-related HR record-keeping.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefits including retirement funds, medical aid, funeral policies, and union agreements.
• Act as a point of contact for employee benefits queries.
• Coordinate with external brokers and service providers on benefits matters.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure payroll compliance with employment contracts, collective agreements, and labour legislation.
• Prepare monthly payroll reports, reconciliations, and cost-to-company calculations.
• Support reporting requirements for internal dashboards, management insights, and audits.

Process Support & Improvement

• Maintain and update payroll procedures and control matrices.
• Support continuous improvement of payroll processes to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Provide back-office support to HR and Finance teams as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Proven experience in payroll administration (minimum 3-5 years).
• Strong knowledge of SARS compliance, tax regulations, and payroll best practices.
• Proficiency in HRIS & payroll systems (SAGE 300 preferred).
• Advanced Excel skills and strong numerical accuracy.
• Experience with employee benefits administration advantageous.

• Implement the unit operations plan by understanding planned activities, including projects and key performance indicators, communicating these to relevant stakeholders, and monitoring execution on a daily basis.


• Track unit performance against targets by identifying progress, highlighting areas of concern, drafting reports, and submitting them quarterly or as required.


• Monitor performance trends by identifying anomalies and initiating corrective actions on a monthly basis or when necessary.


• Ensure compliance with policies by staying informed through continuous learning, participating in training sessions, and resolving any policy-related queries as they arise.


• Maintain adherence to standard processes by applying them correctly in daily operations and addressing any deviations or concerns promptly.


• Identify and propose process improvements by analysing gaps, presenting recommendations to the line manager, and supporting proposals with relevant information.


• Oversee the third-party payroll service provider by submitting required documentation, coordinating deadlines, monitoring service level agreements, resolving queries, and addressing issues on a monthly basis.


• Accurately process payroll by verifying salary data, ensuring correct allocation of salary, medical aid, retirement, and bargaining council contributions, and submitting for approval each month.


• Oversee third-party benefit service providers by preparing and submitting documentation, resolving outstanding queries, participating in annual negotiations, communicating arrangements, and ensuring compliance with service agreements.


• Oversee employee leave management by tracking applications and approvals, resolving issues, supporting managers and staff, and ensuring accurate reporting.


• Contribute to the annual staff budget by extracting payroll data, preparing departmental and company-wide staffing budgets, and submitting for managerial approval.


• Provide payroll advice and support by investigating and resolving payroll-related queries, offering guidance, and ensuring adherence to payroll policies.


• Support internal and external audits by compiling and submitting required documentation, addressing auditor queries, and ensuring payroll compliance annually and as required.


• Implement and manage expenditure within budget by understanding cost components, approving spend in alignment with financial policies, and conducting monthly reviews.


• Monitor actual expenditure by analyzing financial reports, identifying anomalies or areas of concern, and executing timely corrective actions.


• Ensure effective implementation of SHE by delivering comprehensive training, completing training programs, and addressing any identified gaps or non-compliance.


• Monitor SHE performance by establishing clear standards, ensuring timely completion of monitoring activities, and resolving issues within defined deadlines.


• Maintain ongoing SHE compliance by reviewing current practices, identifying deviations, and correcting them within established timelines.


• Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders by facilitating regular communication, exchanging feedback, and supporting collaboration.


• Manage service provider performance by tracking service level agreements, monitoring delivery against standards, identifying issues, and applying corrective actions when necessary.


• Support recruitment of employees in line with the EE targets by participating in interviews and offering structured feedback during the hiring process.


• Manage workforce resourcing by aligning staffing levels with work demands and assigning resources to meet operational goals.


• Supervise staff performance by setting clear expectations, tracking work output, providing feedback, and addressing performance issues through corrective actions.


• Foster staff development by identifying individual development needs, in line with departmental training needs analysis supporting skill-building initiatives, mentoring team members, and monitoring progress.


• Oversee implementation of HR policies and procedures by ensuring compliance, identifying areas of non-compliance, and resolving issues in a timely manner.

• Matric / Grade 12 or equivalent


• Diploma in Finance or Payroll or similar


• B Com in Finance or similar


• SAPA


• 5+ years in payroll administration 

Red Ember is recruiting for a Payroll Specialist in Stellenbosch. The Payroll Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees across the group. This role involves managing employee data, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws, regulations and company policies through accurate and timely end to end payroll processing. The Payroll Specialist acts as a key point of contact for payroll, benefits, audit and statutory related inquiries, resolving issues promptly and efficiently.

Responsibilities