Accountant - Payroll

My Client is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll Accounts Manager to oversee payroll-related accounting, reconciliations, financial reporting, audit compliance and team delivery within a large, fast-paced payroll environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records across accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger entries and reconciliations. This role requires strong payroll accounting experience, practical Payroll MIS knowledge and hands-on experience using SAGE 300 Payroll.

Please note that SAGE 300 Payroll experience is a mandatory requirement . Only candidates who meet the essential requirements will be considered. The role reports to the Financial Manager: Payroll and manages a team that includes payroll, bookkeeping, fund administration and filing functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete monthly payroll reconciliations and identify potential financial, payroll and compliance risks.
• Investigate and resolve payroll and accounting discrepancies.
• Perform daily accounting tasks, including general ledger entries, payments, adjustments and reconciliations.
• Prepare monthly financial reports and payroll-related management information.
• Maintain accurate records of financial transactions and supporting documentation.
• Verify, allocate and post transactions to subsidiary accounts.
• Reconcile and balance subsidiary accounts.
• Maintain the general ledger by transferring subsidiary account summaries.
• Prepare trial balances and reconcile general ledger entries.
• Support and sign off on payroll-related external audits.
• Support and sign off on payroll-related internal audits.
• Assist with flash reporting, CFO quarterly reporting and year-end reporting.
• Ensure payroll accounting processes comply with internal controls, financial procedures and applicable legal requirements.
• Maintain accurate historical records and filing systems.
• Lead and manage direct reports, allocate tasks and monitor delivery against deadlines.
• Build effective working relationships with payroll, finance, operations and other internal stakeholders.
• Provide additional support to the Financial Manager: Payroll, Finance leadership and CFO as required.

Requirements Minimum Requirements

• BCom Degree in Accounting, Human Resources, Tax Law or a related field.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in payroll administration, payroll accounting or bookkeeping.
• Practical experience working with payroll management information systems.
• Experience in a customer-focused or service-driven environment.
• Advanced working knowledge of SAGE 300 Payroll is essential and non-negotiable.
• Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 or a similar ERP system.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Valid South African driver’s licence.

Advantageous Qualifications

• CIMA studies.
• SAPA membership or studies.
• SAIPA membership or studies.
• Previous experience managing a payroll accounting or bookkeeping team.
• Experience supporting internal and external payroll audits.
• Experience in a large, complex or high-volume payroll environment.

Key Competencies

• Strong numerical, mathematical and analytical ability.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong payroll reconciliation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify financial and compliance risks.
• Results-oriented and accountable.
• Able to work under pressure and meet strict reporting deadlines.
• Strong planning, prioritisation and organisational skills.