Executive Career Opportunity: Payroll Manager

Location: 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!

? Contact: financialcareers@hireresolve.za.com

? Website: www.hireresolve.co.za

Reference: EquitiesRegSpec_2026