Job Purpose:
The Payroll Accountant is responsible for the accurate accounting, reconciliation, and financial control of payroll transactions across weekly, monthly, and fleet payrolls.
The role ensures the integrity of payroll-related financial data, supports statutory compliance, manages third-party payments, and maintains alignment between payroll processing and financial reporting.This role is based in Waterfront, Cape Town.
Key Performance Areas:
Payroll Accounting & Journal Management
- Generate payroll journals for all payroll cycles (weekly, fleet, and monthly)
- Prepare payroll-related general ledger entries
- Analyse payroll data (salaries, wages, bonuses, deductions) for completeness and accuracy
- Ensure all payroll accounting entries are accurately reflected in the general ledger
Payroll Reconciliations & Financial Control
- Perform reconciliations of salaries and wages, employee-related liabilities, and third-party accounts
- Ensure all payroll accounts are fully reconciled and balanced to the general ledger
- Investigate and resolve reconciling items timeously (before the next payroll run)
- Maintain proper supporting documentation for all reconciliations
Statutory Compliance & Tax
- Prepare and submit EMP201 returns in line with SARS requirements
- Assist with EMP501 reconciliation processes (bi-annual and annual)
- Ensure correct calculation and accounting for PAYE, UIF, and SDL
- Maintain compliance with all applicable payroll legislation and regulations
Third-Party Payments & Reconciliations
- Reconcile and manage payments to:
- Medical aids
- Pension and Provident Funds
- Garnishees
- Other payroll-related service providers
- Ensure timely and accurate payment of all payroll-related liabilities
- Resolve discrepancies with third parties efficiently
Variance Analysis & Reporting
- Analyse payroll variances across periods
- Investigate and explain significant movements in payroll cost
- Report discrepancies, risks, and irregularities to payroll leadership
- Provide insights to support financial and operational decision-making
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Work closely with payroll administrators and finance teams to resolve issues
- Support process improvements and system enhancements
- Contribute to strengthening payroll controls and efficiencies
- Assist with implementation of best practices within payroll accounting
Audit & Governance
- Prepare payroll reconciliations and supporting documentation for audit purposes
- Respond to internal and external audit queries
- Assist in addressing audit findings and implementing corrective actions
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, governance standards, and audit requirements
Qualifications & Requirements:
- BComm Degree in Finance or studying towards one
- 3 – 5 years’ relevant experience
- Understanding of employee taxes, benefits, and statutory deductions
Competencies:
Behavioural Competencies
- Teamwork (Advanced): Ability to collaborate across payroll and finance teams
- Time Management (Advanced): Organising tasks and meeting deadlines
- Problem-solving (Advanced): Analysing issues and finding solutions
- Confidentiality (Expert): Handles sensitive salary and employee information professionally
Technical Competencies
- Numeric Skills (Expert): Excellent numerical reasoning and mathematical skills with attention to detail
- SAGE300 (Advanced): Experience on SAGE300 preferred
- Excel (Advanced): Advanced Excel user