Payroll Accountant
REF: KK678
Market Related Salary
V&A Harbour, Western Cape
Our client, a leader in the FMCG industry is recruiting for a Payroll Accountant to join their team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the accurate accounting, reconciliation and financial control of payroll transactions across weekly, monthly and fleet payrolls. You will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of payroll-related financial data, supporting statutory compliance, managing third-party payments and maintaining an alignment between payroll processing and financial reporting. This role is based at the Waterfront Harbour, Cape Town.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Payroll Accounting & Journal Management:
Generating payroll journals for all payroll cycles (weekly, fleet, and monthly)
Preparing payroll-related general ledger entries
Analysing payroll data (salaries, wages, bonuses, deductions) for completeness and accuracy
Ensuring all payroll accounting entries are accurately reflected in the general ledger
Payroll Reconciliations & Financial Control:
Performing reconciliations of salaries and wages, employee-related liabilities and third-party accounts
Ensuring all payroll accounts are fully reconciled and balanced to the general ledger
Investigating and resolving reconciling items timeously
Maintaining proper supporting documentation for all reconciliations
Statutory Compliance & Tax:
Preparing and submitting EMP201 returns in line with SARS requirements
Assisting with EMP501 reconciliation processes (bi-annual and annual)
Ensuring correct calculation and accounting for PAYE, UIF and SDL
Maintaining compliance with all applicable payroll legislation and regulations
Third-Party Payments & Reconciliations:
Reconciling and managing payments to: Medical aids, Pension and Provident Funds, Garnishees and other payroll-related service providers
Ensuring timely and accurate payment of all payroll-related liabilities
Resolving discrepancies with third parties efficiently
Variance Analysis & Reporting:
Analysing payroll variances across periods
Investigating and explaining significant movements in payroll costs
Reporting discrepancies, risks and irregularities to payroll leadership
Providing insights to support financial and operational decision-making
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement:
Working closely with payroll administrators and finance teams to resolve issues
Supporting process improvements and system enhancements
Contributing to strengthening payroll controls and efficiencies
Assisting with implementation of best practices within payroll accounting
Audit & Governance:
Preparing payroll reconciliations and supporting documentation for audit purposes
Responding to internal and external audit queries
Assisting in addressing audit findings and implementing corrective actions
Ensuring compliance with internal policies, governance standards and audit requirements
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
B.Com Degree in Finance or studying towards one
3 – 5 years’ relevant experience
Understanding of employee taxes, benefits and statutory deductions
SAGE300 (Advanced): Experience on SAGE300 preferred
Excel (Advanced): Advanced Excel user