Business Risk and Payroll Manager

BUSINESS RISK AND PAYROLL MANAGER (Payclass 12) HR Analytics, Systems, Risk, Payroll and Admin Human Resources Department The Human Resources (HR) department at UCT is seeking an experienced payroll professional that can manage and lead the payroll function. This is an opportunity for a detail-oriented and forward-thinking professional to lead a complex payroll environment, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of payroll services while driving continuous improvement, managing risk and ensuring legislative, tax and audit compliance. The successful incumbent will contribute to the effectiveness of key HR and financial processes at the university. Requirements include: Relevant qualification at NQF level 7; Minimum of 10 years in a financial/payroll business function including 3 years’ experience in people, project and change management; Experience in managing a complex payroll function; Experience in managing risk in an HR environment; Extensive experience managing payroll processes within an ERP system, including HR and Finance modules; Exposure to and understanding of HR audits; Proven knowledge of HR payroll and tax legislative compliance regulations and submissions; Excellent computer literacy, written and spoken communication skills; Ability to meet the demands of a strict and rigid timetable; Solid judgement and decision-making abilities; Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team; Strong attention to detail and analytical abilities. Advantageous: Experience in SAP ERP Professional Member of South African Payroll Association Responsibilities include: Ensuring the accuracy of payroll preparation and processing, payroll accounting, tax filing and payment, benefits, maintenance and various special payments; Ensuring that payments to staff, third parties and vendors and made timeously and reconciled; Identifying any financial and legislative risks associated with payroll and tax procedures and implementing corrections to the payroll system and/or processes; Analysing current HR & Payroll business and systems processes and recommending improvements; Preparing monthly, interim and annual returns and reconciliations to SARS and submitting information through E@syfile; Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, specifically as it relates to payroll, tax, retirement funding, LRA, BCEA and SARS, by studying existing and new legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements and advising management on action required; Ensuring effective people management of direct report to enable the team to deliver a service as effectively and efficiently as possible; Coordinating the annual HR audit, providing required information to auditors and dealing with any queries which may arise. For detailed information on this post, please view the job description, see link: view The annual remuneration package, including benefits, will be R 1 096 962 and R1 290 542 . To apply , please click the apply button to create a profile and submit your application. Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application: Motivational letter that speaks to the requirements of the position Curriculum Vitae (CV) Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number Highest qualification ID/Passport An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process. Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Ms Tracy Moore at tracy.moore@uct.ac.za or 021 650 4505. Closing date: 1 November 2026 Website: https://uct.ac.za Reference number: ID1499 UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/oic/employment-equity When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email popia@uct.ac.za . The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.