Payroll Accounts Manager - Johannesburg

Introduction

Are you a hands-on finance professional with a passion for payroll systems, ledger accuracy, and team leadership? This is an exciting opportunity for a driven Payroll Accounts Manager to take ownership of end-to-end financial data management, payroll accounting, and reporting processes.

In this role, you will play a key part in maintaining compliance, eliminating risk areas, and streamlining financial workflows. Working directly with senior leadership—including the Financial Manager, Finance Executive, and CFO—you will manage a talented internal team and contribute directly to high-level quarterly and year-end reporting.

If you are eager to step into a high-impact position that fosters continuous professional evolution, this opportunity is for you.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Payroll & Reconciliations: Conduct thorough monthly payroll reconciliations, proactively identifying and mitigating potential financial and compliance risks.
• Financial Ledger Management: Oversee daily accounting functions, including posting transactions, maintaining general and subsidiary ledgers, preparing trial balances, and managing accounts payable and receivable entries.
• Audit & Compliance Management: Assist with and sign off on internal and external audits for all payroll-related matters, ensuring total alignment with statutory regulations.
• Leadership & Team Mentorship: Manage, support, and guide direct reports (including Team Leaders, Bookkeepers, Fund Administrators, and Filing Clerks) to ensure high operational efficiency and accurate deliverable completion.
• Executive Financial Reporting: Collaborate with senior management to assist with Flash reporting, as well as quarterly and year-end reports for the CFO.
• Record Keeping & Maintenance: Establish structured systems for posting, verifying, and filing historical financial documents to ensure audit-readiness at all times.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Education: B.Com Degree in Accounting, Human Resources, or Tax Law.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in payroll and bookkeeping administration within a customer-oriented service environment.
• Software Expertise: Extensive, practical experience with SAGE 300 Payroll (non-negotiable) and solid exposure to ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 or similar.
• Leadership Experience: Proven track record in managing direct reports and overseeing daily team outputs.
• Licensing: Valid South African driver’s license.
• Technical Skills: Strong mathematical, analytical, and MS Office skills, along with a deep understanding of general ledger accounting and audit readiness.