Payroll Accountant at Vector Logistics

Job Purpose

• The Payroll Accountant at Vector Logistics is responsible for ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timeous processing of payroll and payroll-related accounting activities across the business. The role supports a high-volume, operational workforce and acts as a key interface between Finance, HR, Operations, and external statutory bodies to ensure employees are paid correctly and all legislative obligations are met.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Compliance:

• Ensure full compliance with South African payroll legislation, including PAYE, UIF, SDL, COIDA, and BCEA requirements.
• Prepare, review, and submit statutory returns and reconciliations to SARS and other authorities.
• Manage payroll audits and provide supporting documentation to internal and external auditors.
• Ensure payroll controls, approvals, and governance standards are consistently applied.

Payroll Accounting & Financial Control:

• Reconcile payroll-related balance sheet accounts (salary control, statutory deductions, benefits).
• Prepare and post payroll journals to the general ledger in line with month-end timelines.
• Support Finance with payroll inputs for budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis.
• Assist with year-end payroll processes, IRP5 submissions, and reconciliations.

Systems, Data & Continuous Improvement:

• Maintain accurate employee payroll data, including new hires, terminations, allowances, overtime, and deductions.
• Ensure data integrity between HR, time & attendance, and payroll systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and efficiencies.
• Support payroll system upgrades, testing, and process changes.

Stakeholder Support & Query Resolution:

• Respond to payroll-related queries from employees, line managers, and HR in a professional and timely manner.
• Partner with HR and Operations to resolve discrepancies relating to shifts, overtime, and allowances.
• Provide payroll insights and guidance to management to support decision-making.

Key Relationships

Internal:

• Human Resources.
• Finance & Accounting Teams.
• Operations & Distribution Centre Management.
• Line Managers and Supervisors.
• Employees across Vector Logistics sites.
• Executive Management (as required).

External:

• South African Revenue Service (SARS).
• Department of Employment and Labour.
• Medical Aid, Pension & Provident Fund Administrators.
• Payroll and Time & Attendance System Vendors.
• External Auditors and Consultants.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required for the Job

Qualifications and Experience

• Matric (Grade 12).
• Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Payroll Management.
• 3–5 years’ payroll accounting experience, preferably in logistics, FMCG, or a large operational workforce.
• Experience working with complex payroll structures (shifts, overtime, allowances).

Skills and Competencies

• Strong working knowledge of South African payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• Solid payroll accounting, reconciliation, and reporting capability.
• High attention to detail and strong numerical accuracy.
• Experience working with payroll systems in a high-volume environment.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.