Senior Payroll Manager (Pietermaritzburg, KZN)

SUMMARY:
Our client, a leading FMCG manufacturing company, is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Manager to lead and manage the end-to-end payroll function for a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees across multiple payrolls.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the complete end-to-end payroll function for approximately 2,000 employees.
• Oversee multiple payroll cycles, including weekly and monthly payrolls.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in accordance with company policies and legislative requirements.
• Maintain expert knowledge of payroll legislation, including PAYE, UIF, SDL, COIDA, and other statutory requirements.
• Manage payroll year-end processes, reconciliations, tax submissions, and statutory reporting.
• Prepare and present payroll reports, analysis, and executive summaries for EXCO and senior management.
• Ensure payroll controls, governance, and audit compliance are maintained.
• Manage payroll reconciliations, general ledger interfaces, and payroll accounting requirements.
• Oversee leave administration, overtime, shift allowances, deductions, benefits, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the payroll team to ensure high performance and service delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the payroll function.
• Work closely with HR, Finance, and other business units to ensure payroll accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of payroll information at all times.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• 8 to 10 years payroll management experience in a high-volume environment.
• Proven experience managing payrolls for approximately 2,000 employees or more.
• Comprehensive end-to-end payroll management experience.
• Extensive practical experience with SAGE 300 People (non-negotiable).
• Experience managing multiple payroll frequencies.
• Strong understanding of South African payroll legislation and statutory compliance.
• Experience preparing payroll reports for Executive Management and EXCO.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills will be advantageous.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and team management
• Payroll governance and compliance
• Strong analytical and reporting skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Sound decision-making ability
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• High level of integrity and confidentiality

Essential Experience

Applicants must demonstrate experience in:

• High-volume payroll processing
• End-to-end payroll management
• SAGE 300 People
• Weekly and monthly payroll administration
• Payroll reconciliations
• Statutory compliance and submissions
• Executive (EXCO) payroll reporting
• Team leadership within a payroll environment