Payroll Manager - KFC Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha

Full Job Description - Read Carefully

JOB SUMMARY 

Oversees all aspects of an organization's payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payments to employees while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements. Responsible for managing the payroll system, supervising payroll staff, and collaborating with other departments like HR and Finance.  Protect sensitive payroll information and maintaining employee confidence. Stay informed about changes in payroll regulations and implementing new procedures. 

Job Responsibilities

Payroll Governance & Control

• Own and oversee the full payroll lifecycle (weekly and monthly)
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and integrity of all payroll inputs and outputs
• Establish and enforce payroll controls, processes, and deadlines
• Approve and sign off payroll prior to payment release
• Monthly 3rd Party Payments (Provident, Pension, Funeral, Emp201, UIF, Garnishees)
• Monthly reconciliation of GL and TB accounts
• Ensure confidentiality and security of payroll information

Statutory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with all legislative requirements (SARS, Department of Labour, etc.)
• Oversee submission of EMP201, EMP501, IRP5s, and other statutory returns
• Manage and resolve SARS queries, audits, and payroll-related investigations
• Ensure correct implementation of deductions (garnishees, benefits, statutory obligations)
• Monitor legislative changes and implement required updates 

Payroll Operations & Systems

• Oversee payroll systems (e.g., Sage 300 People) and time & attendance platforms
• Ensure system optimisation, accuracy, and process efficiency
• Manage relationships with payroll service providers and system vendors
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within payroll processes
• Ensure integrity of clocking, leave, and payroll data integration

Financial & Analytical Oversight

• Analyse payroll trends (overtime, wage variances, cost drivers)
• Review and validate payroll-related financial reports and reconciliations
• Process monthly third-party payments (benefits, unions, garnishees, etc.)
• Provide accurate payroll data for budgeting and forecasting
• Support audit requirements with accurate documentation and reporting 

Stakeholder Management

• Act as primary payroll contact for HR, Finance, and Operations
• Engage with management on payroll risks, trends, and approvals
• Provide guidance and training to line managers on payroll processes
• Ensure clear communication regarding payroll deadlines and requirements

Ad Hoc Duties

• Perform a quality check on all information received from HR
• Ensure that all employment contracts are complete and accurate. 
• Set and enforce payroll deadlines
• Oversee and sign off the effective running of the weekly and monthly payrolls
• Resolve escalated pay related issues
• Run statutory report for annual submission for Employment Equity and Skills Development.
• Upskill and educate line management on payroll processes
• Administer the Employee Self Service Portal
• Calculate ad-hoc bonuses from wage negotiation
• Calculate and track various wage employee incentives
• Calculate and implement Annual Increases
• Liaise with payroll services provider
• Resolve any Department of Labour queries that arise
• Providing release files for payments
• Ensure overtime is approvd by relevant managers

People Management

• Lead, develop, and manage the payroll team
• Evaluate employee’s performance based on deliverables and identify suitable training for employees
• Ensure employees compliance with all applicable legislation as well as corporate and company procedures and policies
• Ensure employees are trained and developed based on identified training needs Liaise with Training Department on all identified training gap
• Ensure employees in the stores are trained in Finance procedures as identified
• Ensure performance appraisals are conducted as per requirement
• Ensure general discipline in the Department and ensure corrective action is taken on all misconduct incidents
• Adhere to all HR policies, procedures and requirements to ensure sound people practices
• Monitor team and employees moral and address any issues of concern
• Motivate employee compliment

Reporting & Compliance Monitoring

• Provide reports for payments and returns (e.g. union fees, provident fund, garnishee orders, group life cover etc.)
• Report weekly on non-conforming clocking inaccuracies
• Report weekly on categories of overtime.  Analyse variances, highlight and attach supporting documentation
• Run reports for contracts that are expiring and communication to HR and wages for resolution
• Generate ad hoc reports as requested
• Carry out all agreed ad hoc assignments, tasks and projects as requested

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced Occupational Certificate: Payroll Manager (NQF Level 6) OR
• Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field

Experience:

• Minimum of 8–10 years’ payroll experience, with at least 5 years in a senior payroll management role
• Strong knowledge of South African payroll legislation, statutory compliance, and payroll governance
• Proven experience managing payroll teams and engaging with SARS and other regulatory bodies
• Proven responsibility for:
  • EMP201 / EMP501 / IRP5 sign?off
  • Payroll audits and SARS engagements
  • Weekly and monthly payroll cycles
  • Multi?site or large employee populations
  • Demonstrated people management experience