My client is seeking an experienced Assistant Payroll Manager to support the effective leadership, governance, and operational delivery of a large, complex payroll function. This role is suited to a highly skilled payroll professional with strong legislative knowledge, system expertise, and the ability to operate confidently in a deadline-driven, regulated environment.

Reporting to the Remuneration Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, process integrity, and continuous improvement across payroll and time & attendance systems.

Key Performance Areas

• Payroll Operations & Delivery

• Legislative Compliance & Governance

• Systems, Data & Process Management

• Financial Control & Reporting

• Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Stakeholder Engagement & Projects

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 with a relevant tertiary qualification in Payroll Management

• Minimum of 8 years’ payroll experience, including at least 2 years in a payroll management or supervisory role

• Strong numerical ability with a sound understanding of basic bookkeeping principles

• Extensive hands-on experience with Payroll and Time & Attendance systems

• Unique / PaySpace payroll experience at parameter level is essential

• In-depth knowledge of South African labour and payroll legislation, including BCEA, LRA, POPIA, COIDA, UIF, Income Tax Act, Wage Determination Act, and Bargaining Council Agreements

• Advanced MS Excel and MS Office proficiency

• Valid Code 08 (EB) driver’s licence

You are someone who:

• Has exceptional attention to detail and a strong quality mindset

• Is calm, structured, and reliable under pressure and during peak payroll cycles

• Operates with integrity, confidentiality, and professional objectivity at all times

• Thinks analytically, identifies risks early, and approaches problems with practical solutions

• Is hands-on and decisive, yet fair, patient, and people-focused

• Communicates clearly and confidently with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Enjoys guiding, supporting, and developing others while setting high standards

• Is self-motivated, accountable, and willing to go the extra mile when deadlines demand it