Payroll Team Leader

Red Ember is seeking a Payroll Team Leader, based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, to join our client’s team. The successful candidate will lead the Payroll Team in delivering a professional and responsive payroll service to both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and service level agreements, and guaranteeing accurate and timely monthly payroll processing. Responsibilities Supervise the Payroll Administrator Team to ensure accurate and timely payment of staff Allocate workloads appropriately and provide training/knowledge sharing Monitor performance and motivate the team, fostering continuous improvement and customer service excellence Undertake day-to-day payroll activities to maintain practical knowledge and ensure smooth operations Validate and reconcile post-rollover GL interface files and import/balance Payroll Download journals on D365 before posting Liaise with internal and external auditors, providing required information timely Keep updated with payroll regulations/legislation and implement changes, training the team where necessary Develop, review, and update payroll policies and procedures for statutory compliance and HR alignment Perform payroll system audit checks to ensure configuration meets needs/statutory requirements Assist with system testing and upgrades as required Evaluate and investigate variances in earnings Collaborate with HR, Regional Wage Administrators, and third-party stakeholders (e.g., Medical Aid, Retirement Funds) to resolve payroll matters Support management with payroll-related tasks and queries Monitor accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of payroll administration processes according to company policies Ensure statutory requirements are implemented and compliance verified (ETI, UIF, Skills Development Levy, IRP5s) Mentor and train Payroll and Wage Administrators, including writing Standard Operating Procedures Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Accuracy and timeliness of staff payments Correct production and validation of payslips, statutory returns, and reports Effective workload allocation and knowledge sharing within the team Performance reviews and team motivation reflected in engagement and output Compliance with statutory and regulatory payroll requirements Successful audits with minimal errors Timely implementation of payroll system updates and legislative changes Resolution of payroll variances and queries within agreed timelines Continuous development of payroll policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures High level of customer service satisfaction among employees and stakeholders Requirements Education & Certification National NQF5 Payroll Diploma or related degree SAGE certification (Sage 300) Professional designation through SAPA (preferred) Matric / Grade 12 Valid South African driver’s license Experience Minimum 7 years in payroll administration Practical Payroll MIS knowledge Experience in a customer-oriented service environment Knowledge of E@syfile & UIF applications Compulsory system knowledge SAGE 300 D365 modules Technical / Core Skills Advanced computer literacy (MS Office, specifically Excel and Word) Knowledge of employee-related legislation: BCEA, EEA, SDA, UICA, WCA, Labour Legislation (LRA), Income Tax, Bargaining Council regulations Continuous self-development and IT training Competencies Leadership and team management Accuracy and attention to detail Result-oriented, planning, and change management skills Customer/client focus and relationship building Analytical and mathematical skills Strong oral communication and listening Stress tolerance, energetic, self-starter, and team player