About the position
Executive Career Opportunity: Payroll ManagerLocation: HR Head Office in Sandton, Gauteng
Industry Sector: Automotive (Large Multi-Company Group)
Salary: Competitive Market-Related CTC Package
Start Date: January 2026
Work Arrangement: Full-Time, On-Site (No hybrid option)
Are you a highly experienced Payroll Manager with a strong blend of payroll expertise and financial acumen, capable of managing a large, multi-company payroll for over 4,000 staff?
Our client, a leading group in the Automotive sector, is seeking a meticulous and decisive Payroll Manager to lead their HR Head Office function in Sandton. This pivotal role requires you to ensure the end-to-end accuracy and legal compliance of all payroll activities, from input to final reporting and statutory submissions.
This position offers flexible working hours (e.g., 7am – 4pm or 9am – 6pm, achieving 9 hours per day) in a fully office-based environment.
Key Responsibilities:Payroll Management & Oversight
- End-to-End Management: Manage the entire payroll process for +40 client companies and +4,000 staff, ensuring accurate and timely payment of salaries and wages.
- Accuracy & Review: Lead the review and finalisation of all payrolls prior to payment release.
- Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to all local labour and tax legislation, including the correct application of Provident Funds, Retirement Fund Interface (RFI) linking, and company vehicle/petrol tax rules.
- System Management: Oversee the loading of new employees, application of correct pay rates, and linking of employees to the ERS Biometrics clocking system and Employee Self-Service (ESS).
Financial & Statutory Reporting- Reconciliations: Conduct monthly payment and deduction recons to payroll and actual payments.
- Statutory Submissions: Manage the preparation and submission of Monthly EMP 201 and Annual WCA (Workmen's Compensation Act) Return of Earnings.
- Financial Integration: Post payroll journals on the ACUMATICA system and ensure accurate salary costs are loaded on Salesforce for approval.
- Reporting: Generate statistical reports for HR and Government (UIF, etc.), weekly & monthly payroll expenditure, and leave/absence statistics.
Leadership & System Improvement- Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and elevate a team of payroll specialists, fostering a culture of accuracy and efficiency.
- Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement, leveraging systems knowledge for enhanced efficiency and exposure to automation and AI in payroll processes.
- New Company Setup: Successfully set up and register new companies on the payroll system for all legislative requirements.
- Termination Payments: Ensure correct calculation and processing of all termination payments.
Minimum Requirements:- Qualification: Relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, or HR/Payroll Management.
- Experience: Proven experience as a Payroll Manager, having successfully managed a large, multi-entity payroll (+4,000 staff) for multiple companies.
- Knowledge: Expert knowledge of South African labour law, tax legislation, and statutory returns (EMP 201, WCA, UIF).
- Systems Experience (Highly Advantageous): Practical experience with:
- SAGE 300
- ACUMATICA
- SALESFORCE
- ERS Biometrics
- ESS
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills (all suites)
- Attributes: Strong intersection of payroll expertise and financial acumen, proven ability to lead and coach, deadline-driven, and technologically savvy.
How to Apply:If you are an experienced and astute professional ready to take on this career-defining role starting in 2026:
- Send your comprehensive CV to the Hire Resolve team.
- Connect with Lidene Pienaar via LinkedIn today!
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Reference: EquitiesRegSpec_2026
Desired Skills:
- Payroll Manager
- Payroll Manager
- Payroll Manager
