Our client is a significant entity operating within a sector that demands rigorous adherence to complex national and international statutory frameworks. They are committed to operational excellence and maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance across all financial and administrative functions. This is an opportunity to step into a role reporting directly to the CFO, taking full ownership of a critical, high-volume function that underpins the entire organization's compliance structure. This is a pivotal Senior Management role offering immense scope for an established payroll expert to secure and optimize the organization's entire payroll infrastructure. You will be the definitive subject matter authority, replacing a key expert and inheriting a large, established team responsible for processing complex, multi-jurisdictional payrolls. The core of this role is ensuring absolute accuracy and unwavering compliance across all South African labour and tax legislation. You will have the mandate to drive system integrity, leveraging your expertise in SAGE 300 People to stabilize and enhance current processes. This is a leadership position where you will mentor and develop a substantial team, build robust governance frameworks, and act as the primary point of contact for all high-level statutory audits and queries from regulatory bodies. If you thrive on complexity, possess deep technical mastery of South African payroll law, and are ready to lead significant operational stability, this role offers unmatched impact. Responsibilities Assume full accountability for the accuracy, compliance, and timeliness of all payroll cycles across the organization. Serve as the organization’s primary subject matter expert, interpreting and embedding complex South African payroll, tax, and labour legislation (including BCEA, ETI, COID, etc.) into operational policies. Own the integrity and configuration of the core payroll system (SAGE 300 People) and the associated Time & Attendance platform, leading stabilization efforts post-migration. Provide expert leadership and development for a large team, ensuring high performance, resilience, and succession planning within the payroll function. Act as the principal liaison for SARS and other statutory bodies, managing all related audits, submissions (EMP201/501), and complex query resolutions. Establish and maintain rigorous payroll governance frameworks, internal controls, and audit-ready documentation across all processes. Drive predictive analysis and high-quality payroll-related financial reporting to support the CFO and executive decision-making. Oversee the accurate governance and integration of all employee benefits, including complex contributions for Retirement Funds and Medical Aid schemes. Requirements Experience & Qualification Relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, or Payroll. Experience with Lesotho and/or Mauritius employment/tax legislation. Minimum 8-10 years’ payroll experience, with 3-5 years in a Senior Management capacity. Specific experience managing payroll migrations (e.g., CRS to SAGE 300 People). South African Payroll Association Payroll Practitioner certification. Technical Expertise Expert, non-negotiable proficiency with SAGE 300 People (configuration, controls, reporting). Experience with Cleaning Industry Bargaining Council agreements. Deep technical mastery of South African statutory compliance (ETI, BCEA, UIF, COID, TERS). Experience with advanced labour relations management within payroll context. Proven expertise in managing payroll implications for Pension/Provident Funds and Medical Aid contributions. Leadership & Soft Skills Demonstrated experience managing large, complex payroll teams (15+ direct reports). Expert-level Industrial Relations (IR) and HR knowledge relevant to payroll. High resilience, integrity, and proven ability to translate complex legislation into actionable processes. #J-18808-Ljbffr