Outsourced Payroll Administrator

About the role

We are seeking an Outsourced Payroll Administrator to join Acumen Recruitment’s payroll services team in Johannesburg. The role involves managing end‑to‑end payroll processes for a portfolio of low to medium‑risk clients, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Process payroll accurately and on schedule, including gross‑to‑net calculations, terminations, onboarding, wages, bonuses, overtime and deductions.
• Maintain and update the payroll system, generate payslips or direct deposits and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Apply country‑specific statutory rules, calculate and track payroll taxes, health and social insurance, pension contributions and ensure quarterly tax filings are submitted on time.
• Administer employee benefits, reconcile payments to client counterparties and keep detailed records for compliance and audit purposes.
• Produce payroll reports such as summaries, bank files, tax filings and year‑end statements, and analyse data to identify trends or issues.
• Communicate effectively with clients and internal teams, addressing queries and supporting client relationship management.

Required profile

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work with confidential data.
• Good understanding of payroll legislation and tax compliance.
• Excellent communication skills for client interaction and internal collaboration.
• Ability to manage a portfolio of clients and meet strict deadlines.

Required skills

• Proficiency in payroll software (specific system not named).
• Knowledge of Excel or similar spreadsheet tools for data handling.