Payroll Manager, Johannesburg at WPP

Position Overview:We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented individual to join our company as a Payroll Manager. The Payroll Manager will play a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of the payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payment of employee salaries, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent organisational abilities, and a comprehensive understanding of payroll systems and processes as well as accounting principles.

Responsibilities:

• Providing guidance and support to finance department to ensure payroll functions are performed accurately and efficiently.
• Accurately post payroll information into the financial reporting system monthly
• Coordinate and supervise the full payroll cycle, including data input, processing payroll, calculating, and recording deductions.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance departments to maintain accurate employee data, ensuring all changes related to pay, benefits, tax withholdings, and deductions are updated in a timely manner.
• Monitor and comply with all local payroll tax regulations and reporting requirements, including filing appropriate tax forms, and making timely tax payments.
• Stay up to date with changes in payroll laws and regulations, assessing their impact on the company's payroll practices and implementing necessary adjustments to ensure compliance.
• Prepare and maintain accurate payroll records, reports, and documentation for auditing and legal purposes.
• Handle inquiries and resolve issues related to payroll from employees, management, and external stakeholders, providing excellent customer service.
• Collaborate with the IT department to optimize payroll software and systems, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in payroll processing.
• Conduct regular payroll audits to identify and rectify discrepancies or errors, ensuring high data integrity and accuracy.
• Develop and implement internal controls related to payroll, in order to maintain confidentiality and prevent fraud or unauthorized access to sensitive payroll information.
• Ensure all payroll information and records are maintained in accordance with statutory requirements and support internal and external audits related as such.
• Review and abide by WPP policies and procedures.
• Oversee and on-going maintenance of ESS and leave management and data integrity of sage 300.
• Efficient and accurate payroll Implementations of company mergers on the payroll system
• Run the dummy runs for HR and CFO Approval

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Proven experience (3 years) in payroll management or a similar role, preferably in a medium to large-sized organization.
• Thorough knowledge of local payroll laws and regulations.
• Proficiency in using payroll software/systems SAGE/SAGE 300 and Microsoft Office Suite Excel.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle and interpret large sets of data accurately.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet strict deadlines.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles and general ledger reconciliation.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex payroll concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to mentor and develop a payroll officer.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality when handling sensitive payroll information