Payroll Operations Lead
Port Shepstone – KwaZulu Natal – South Africa
We are seeking a detail-driven and operationally strong Payroll Specialist to support payroll execution across a multi-site hospitality environment. This role requires a hands-on individual who can manage complex payroll inputs, ensure legislative compliance, provide mentorship to team members, and maintain strong financial discipline.
Key Responsibilities:
- Validate and reconcile payroll inputs including hours worked, overtime, leave, allowances, and deductions
- Ensure payroll compliance with applicable legislation (BCEA, tax, UIF, SDL)
- Perform payroll reconciliations
- Process payroll account on accounting system to trial balance level, ensuring alignment with Finance & budgets
- Process payroll-related journals and support general ledger integration
- Execute end-to-end payroll processing across multiple entities and pay points using Sage 300
- Mentor and support junior payroll team members, driving accuracy and consistency
- Manage payroll audits, reconciliations, and month-end reporting
- Support operational teams with payroll-related queries and guidance
- Maintain accurate employee records and payroll data integrity
- Process terminations, final payments, and statutory submissions
- Liaise with Finance on salary schedules, reconciliations, and approvals
- Assist with annual processes including tax year-end (EMP501) and audits
- Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce risk
Minimum Requirements:
- Relevant qualification in Payroll, Finance/Bookkeeping, Human Resources,
- Minimum 5 years’ payroll experience in a multi-site or high-volume environment
- Hands-on experience with Sage 300 is essential
- Proven experience with payroll reconciliations up to trial balance level
- Strong knowledge of South African payroll legislation, SARS legislation and statutory requirements
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong reconciliation, numerical, and analytical skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and complete tasks promptly and efficiently
- Experience in mentoring or guiding staff
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to engage with non-desk-based employees and operational managers
- Willingness to support peak payroll periods and critical deadlines
- Strong Excel and reporting capability
Key Competencies & Personal Attributes:
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Leadership and team development capability
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Confidentiality and professionalism
- Effective stakeholder engagement
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
South Africa’s leading corporate player in the development and management of property and the leisure sector, currently has the following opportunity at Head Office in Port Shepstone. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the Group, preference shall be given, but not limited to, candidates from the designated groups.
Ref # 09/10