Payroll Accountant

About the role

Our client, a leading FMCG company, is looking for a Payroll Accountant to join their finance team at Waterfront Harbour in Cape Town. You will be responsible for the accurate accounting, reconciliation and financial control of weekly, monthly and fleet payrolls, ensuring data integrity and statutory compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Generate payroll journals for all payroll cycles and prepare related general ledger entries.
• Analyse payroll data (salaries, wages, bonuses, deductions) for completeness and accuracy.
• Perform reconciliations of salaries, employee liabilities and third‑party accounts, maintaining balanced ledgers.
• Prepare and submit EMP201 returns and assist with EMP501 reconciliation processes.
• Calculate and account for PAYE, UIF and SDL in line with South African legislation.
• Reconcile and manage payments to medical aids, pension funds, garnishees and other service providers.
• Analyse payroll variances, investigate significant cost movements and report risks to payroll leadership.
• Collaborate with payroll administrators and finance teams to resolve issues and support process improvements.

Required profile

• Proven experience in payroll accounting and journal preparation.
• Ability to perform payroll reconciliations and maintain supporting documentation.
• Knowledge of South African payroll tax legislation (PAYE, UIF, SDL) and experience preparing EMP201 returns.
• Experience managing third‑party payroll payments and resolving discrepancies.

Required skills