Business Risk and Payroll Manager

About the role

The Human Resources department at the University of Cape Town is looking for an experienced payroll professional to manage and lead the payroll function. The role covers a complex payroll environment, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of payroll services while driving continuous improvement, managing risk and ensuring legislative, tax and audit compliance. It contributes to the effectiveness of key HR and financial processes at the university.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure the accuracy of payroll preparation and processing, payroll accounting, tax filing and payment, benefits, maintenance and special payments.
• Ensure payments to staff, third parties and vendors are made on time and reconciled.
• Identify financial and legislative risks in payroll and tax procedures and implement corrections to the payroll system and/or processes.
• Analyse current HR and payroll business and systems processes and recommend improvements.
• Prepare monthly, interim and annual returns and reconciliations to SARS and submit information through E@syfile.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements for payroll, tax, retirement funding, LRA, BCEA and SARS, study existing and new legislation, enforce adherence and advise management.
• Manage the direct reports effectively so the team delivers a service efficiently.
• Coordinate the annual HR audit, provide information to auditors and deal with queries.

Required profile

• NQF level 7 qualification.
• At least 10 years in a financial or payroll business function, including 3 years in people, project and change management.
• Experience managing a complex payroll function and managing risk in an HR environment.
• Proven knowledge of HR payroll and tax legislative compliance regulations and submissions.
• Excellent computer literacy, written and spoken communication skills, attention to detail and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, with solid judgement and decision-making.

Required skills

• Extensive experience managing payroll processes within an ERP system, including HR and Finance modules.
• Understanding of HR audits.
• Advantageous: SAP ERP experience and membership of the South African Payroll Association.

The annual remuneration package, including benefits, is R 1 096 962 and R 1 290 542. Applications require a motivational letter, CV, three referees with contact details, and highest qualification ID or passport; shortlisted candidates may be asked for competency and medical assessments. The closing date is 1 November 2026.