INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VACANCY: PAYROLL MANAGER

CEF SOC

CEF is a Schedule 2 state owned diversified energy company reporting to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The Mandate of CEF is to contribute to the security of energy supply of South Africa and the Region through exploration, acquisition, development, marketing and strategic partnership. It is derived from the CEF Act (No 38 of 1977) and the Ministerial directives issued thereafter.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the payroll function across the organization, ensuring timely and accurate processing of salaries, benefits, and statutory deductions. This role ensures compliance with labor laws, tax regulations, and company policies while optimizing payroll efficiency and controls.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Matric and bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in Human Resources, Finance or a related qualification
• 5 years’ experience in Payroll Management
• Postgraduate/Honours qualification (NQF Level 8) will serve as an added advantage.

DESIRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS/ COMPETENCIES

• Advance understanding of Payroll reconciliations
• Advance understanding Accounting Principles
• Advance understanding of regulations governing income tax, minimum wage, overtime, UIF and benefits
• Advance understanding of pre-and post-tax deductions in terms of employee benefits
• Advance understanding of HR processes as it relates to payroll
• Advanced SAGE 300 skills (reporting), Advance Excel skills & Advance problem-solving skills
• Advance Numerical reasoning skills, Attention to detail and Time management
• Reliability & Communication skills. 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Payroll processing and management

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for all employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Supervise the Senior Payroll Officer in preparing and verifying payroll reports.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, tax regulations, and statutory requirements (e.g., UIF, PAYE, pension, medical aid contributions).
• Manage payroll-related queries, addressing discrepancies and ensuring resolution in a timely manner.

Compliance and governance

• Ensure payroll operations align with national labour laws, tax regulations, and company governance policies.
• Oversee audits of payroll records and reports, ensuring full compliance with internal and external audit requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation and best practices.
• Manage relationships with relevant statutory bodies (e.g., SARS, UIF, Compensation Fund).

Payroll reporting and financial management

• Prepare and submit monthly payroll reports to Finance and HR leadership.
• Ensure accurate reconciliation of payroll accounts and statutory payments.
• Provide payroll cost analysis and forecasts for budgeting and financial planning

Stakeholder management

• Liaise with HR, Finance, and Benefits teams to ensure smooth payroll integration.
• Provide guidance to employees on payroll-related matters, including deductions, benefits, and tax calculations.
• Support the Group REM Manager in aligning payroll structures with company compensation policies.

Team management

• Ensure efficient workflow and workload distribution within the payroll team
• Ensure payroll team is competent in best practices

Publish Date: 08 December 2025 

Closing Date: 18 December 2025

NOTE: The successful candidate/s for the advertised position/s will be required to undergo personnel suitability checks, which includes, criminal records, citizenship, financial checks, qualifications and previous employment (Reference checks). It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that foreign qualifications are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority and the evaluation certificate is attached to the application on submission. If you do not hear from the CEF SOC three months after the closing date of the advertisement, consider your application unsuccessful.  CEF SOC reserves the right to not fill this position. CEF SOC is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and it is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment, especially in respect of race, gender and disability. This position will be filled in accordance with the CEF SOC Employment Equity Plan.