Payroll Compliance Manager - Cape Town at Impact

JOB DESCRIPTON

• We are looking for a Payroll Compliance Manager to lead the company’s payroll department and oversee the end-to-end payroll operations of the company’s 1600+ employees.
• The successful applicant will need to ensure accuracy and timely payment of remuneration, mentor payroll staff and enforce compliance with statutory regulations including SARS, UIF, PAYE and the BCEA.
• They will be responsible for designing and presenting remuneration policies and processes in line with legislation and the company’s requirements. This individual is expected to work in a methodical manner, give attention to detail, be efficient and must display and promote accuracy and honesty in all business dealings.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Operational Leadership: Manage the entire payroll function, coordinating with HR, Finance, and department heads to meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Team Development: Train, mentor, and supervise payroll administrators, managing performance/ discipline and capacity planning.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with HR, Finance, and executive leadership to align payroll strategies with broader business goals.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Act as the principal point of contact for internal/external auditors and statutory bodies for query resolution and audits.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure statutory compliance with local labour laws, tax filings (e.g. EMP201/501), and the oversight of benefit deductions such as medical aid and retirement funds. Interpret complex statutory and tax legislation (e.g., BCEA, SARS, EMP201/501 requirements) and embed these rules into operational policy.
• Benefit Integration: Manage the governance of employee benefits, including retirement funds, medical aid schemes, and third-party reconciliations.
• Legislative Compliance: Internal Controls: Establish rigorous risk management systems, fraud controls, and audit-ready documentation to minimize business and financial risks.
• Policy Development & Governance: Draft, review, and update payroll policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and governance frameworks.
• System Management: Own the configuration and optimization of the core payroll systems and integrated Time & Attendance platforms. Maintain and configure the payroll system (Currently ACCSYS Peopleware) to ensure system integrity, data security, and accurate variance reporting.
• Process Automation: Identify operational bottlenecks and drive technological improvements or system upgrades to increase efficiency.
• Auditing & Reporting: Reconcile payroll control accounts, prepare executive payroll analytics, and assist with internal and external audits.
• Quality Assurance: Monitor approved payroll cut-off dates, absence management policies, and payroll adjustments to ensure accuracy.

QUALIFYING CRITERIA

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Business Management or similar. Advanced proficiency in modern payroll software and reporting tools is required.
• Minimum 10 years’ senior payroll or finance roles.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in management of a payroll or finance team, with experience in the abovementioned responsibilities.
• Working experience on ACCSYS Peopleware is advantageous.
• Bilingual in English and Afrikaans is advantageous.

ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent communication skills e.g presentation, verbal and written.
• Hard-working and self-motivated.
• Strong and proven management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Display a professional work ethic.
• Ability to work independently.
• Logical and detail orientated methodologies.
• Excellent standards in execution.
• Commitment to a strong business ethic and integrity