Payroll Team Leader

Job Description

Red Ember is seeking a Payroll Team Leader, based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, to join our client’s team.

The successful candidate will lead the Payroll Team in delivering a professional and responsive payroll service to both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and service level agreements, and guaranteeing accurate and timely monthly payroll processing.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the Payroll Administrator Team to ensure accurate and timely payment of staff
• Allocate workloads appropriately and provide training/knowledge sharing
• Monitor performance and motivate the team, fostering continuous improvement and customer service excellence
• Undertake day-to-day payroll activities to maintain practical knowledge and ensure smooth operations
• Validate and reconcile post-rollover GL interface files and import/balance Payroll Download journals on D365 before posting
• Liaise with internal and external auditors, providing required information timely
• Keep updated with payroll regulations/legislation and implement changes, training the team where necessary
• Develop, review, and update payroll policies and procedures for statutory compliance and HR alignment
• Perform payroll system audit checks to ensure configuration meets needs/statutory requirements
• Assist with system testing and upgrades as required
• Evaluate and investigate variances in earnings
• Collaborate with HR, Regional Wage Administrators, and third-party stakeholders (e.g., Medical Aid, Retirement Funds) to resolve payroll matters
• Support management with payroll-related tasks and queries
• Monitor accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of payroll administration processes according to company policies
• Ensure statutory requirements are implemented and compliance verified (ETI, UIF, Skills Development Levy, IRP5s)
• Mentor and train Payroll and Wage Administrators, including writing Standard Operating Procedures

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy and timeliness of staff payments
• Correct production and validation of payslips, statutory returns, and reports
• Effective workload allocation and knowledge sharing within the team
• Performance reviews and team motivation reflected in engagement and output
• Compliance with statutory and regulatory payroll requirements
• Successful audits with minimal errors
• Timely implementation of payroll system updates and legislative changes
• Resolution of payroll variances and queries within agreed timelines
• Continuous development of payroll policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures
• High level of customer service satisfaction among employees and stakeholders

Requirements

• Education & Certification
• National NQF5 Payroll Diploma or related degree
• SAGE certification (Sage 300)
• Professional designation through SAPA (preferred)
• Matric / Grade 12
• Valid South African driver’s license

Experience

• Minimum 7 years in payroll administration
• Practical Payroll MIS knowledge
• Experience in a customer-oriented service environment
• Knowledge of E@syfile & UIF applications

Compulsory system knowledge

• SAGE 300
• D365 modules

Technical / Core Skills

• Advanced computer literacy (MS Office, specifically Excel and Word)
• Knowledge of employee-related legislation: BCEA, EEA, SDA, UICA, WCA, Labour Legislation (LRA), Income Tax, Bargaining Council regulations
• Continuous self-development and IT training

Competencies

• Leadership and team management
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Result-oriented, planning, and change management skills
• Customer/client focus and relationship building
• Analytical and mathematical skills
• Strong oral communication and listening
• Stress tolerance, energetic, self-starter, and team player

Requirements
Valid South African driver’s license Experience Minimum 7 years in payroll administration Practical Payroll MIS knowledge Experience in a customer-oriented service environment Knowledge of E@syfile & UIF applications Compulsory system knowledge SAGE 300 D365 modules Technical / Core Skills Advanced computer literacy (MS Office, specifically Excel and Word) Knowledge of employee-related legislation: BCEA, EEA, SDA, UICA, WCA, Labour Legislation (LRA), Income Tax, Bargaining Council regulations Continuous self-development and IT training Competencies Leadership and team management Accuracy and attention to detail Result-oriented, planning, and change management skills Customer/client focus and relationship building Analytical and mathematical skills Strong oral communication and listening Stress tolerance, energetic, self-starter, and team player