Payroll Accounts Manager (Johannesburg)

About the role

We are looking for a hands‑on Finance professional to lead our payroll accounting function in Johannesburg. You will own end‑to‑end payroll data management, ensure ledger accuracy, and guide a dedicated team while supporting senior leadership on high‑impact financial reporting.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct monthly payroll reconciliations, identifying and mitigating financial and compliance risks.
• Oversee daily accounting tasks: posting transactions, maintaining general and subsidiary ledgers, preparing trial balances, and managing AP/AR entries.
• Assist with and sign off on internal and external payroll audits, ensuring full statutory compliance.
• Lead and mentor a team of Team Leaders, Bookkeepers, Fund Administrators, and Filing Clerks to achieve operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with senior management on flash reporting, quarterly, and year‑end financial reports for the CFO.
• Establish and maintain structured filing systems to keep historical financial documents audit‑ready.

Required profile

• B.Com degree in Accounting, Human Resources, or Tax Law.
• Minimum 5 years of payroll and bookkeeping experience in a customer‑oriented environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing direct reports.
• Valid South African driver’s licence.

Required skills

• SAGE 300 Payroll (non‑negotiable).
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 or similar ERP system.
• Strong MS Office proficiency (Excel, Word).