Junior International Payroll Specialist at Kontak Recruitment

• If you have built a solid payroll foundation and find yourself restless for something bigger, this is the role that turns that ambition into a career. A fast-growing international HR and payroll consultancy headquartered in the Netherlands is expanding its remote team and looking for a junior payroll specialist based in South Africa who is ready to move beyond local payroll and into the world of multi-country, multi-client international payroll operations. This is not a placeholder role while you wait for something else. It is a deliberate step into a specialist career path with real exposure, real responsibility and a team that has worked across every corner of the globe.
• The successful candidate will join a consultancy that solves complex payroll puzzles for clients worldwide, stepping into different business environments, industries and operating models throughout their career. The team is built on expertise, curiosity and the willingness to keep learning as payroll legislation and global standards continue to evolve. Remote-first, internationally connected and genuinely invested in the growth of its people, this organisation rewards ambition and celebrates individuals who bring their whole selves to work.
• This role is the launchpad. Starting with solid South African payroll experience as the foundation, the successful candidate will be developed into a specialist who can support increasingly complex multi-country payroll environments. Working alongside experienced global payroll professionals, the role offers hands-on exposure to international payroll operations, country-specific legislation, diverse payroll systems and direct client interaction from day one.

What's in it for you

• Real international payroll exposure from early in your career, not years down the line
• Mentorship from experienced global payroll consultants and a supportive team structure
• Exposure to multiple payroll systems with training provided where needed
• The opportunity to build knowledge across different countries, industries and client environments
• A clear and intentional career path into international payroll specialisation
• A high-energy team that encourages individuality, rewards curiosity and invests in continuous professional development

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Finance, Accounting, Commerce or a related field
• 2 to 3 years of practical payroll processing experience in South Africa
• Exposure to payroll for at least one additional country outside South Africa is advantageous
• Good understanding of payroll legislation, inputs, deductions, reconciliations and statutory deadlines
• Experience using at least one recognised payroll system such as ADP, Workday, SAP, SD Worx, Sage, Deel, Remote, CloudPay or similar
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential
• Proficiency in German, French, Italian or another European language is highly advantageous
• A payroll qualification or certification is advantageous
• A genuine long-term commitment to specialising in international payroll, not a stepping stone into generalist HR
• Ability to work independently and communicate proactively in a fully remote environment

Key Responsibilities

• Support the processing of payrolls for international clients across multiple countries
• Assist with payroll validations and reconciliations
• Coordinate with payroll providers and internal teams to meet deadlines
• Respond to payroll queries from clients and employees in a professional and timely manner
• Maintain payroll records, employee data and supporting documentation
• Support year-end payroll activities and statutory compliance reporting
• Document payroll processes and follow structured quality-assurance controls
• Learn country-specific payroll legislation and requirements on an ongoing basis
• Build capability across multiple payroll systems and platforms
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the payroll team
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues, clients and payroll partners across different countries