Job Details

📌 Job Title: Payroll Manager
🆔 Reference Number: SS (FIN)/0303/NGV02
🏢 Company: Adams & Adams
📍 Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
💼 Employment Type: Permanent
💰 Salary: Market Related

Company Overview

Adams & Adams is one of South Africa’s leading intellectual property and commercial law firms. With a strong reputation built on excellence, innovation, and client service, the firm operates in a dynamic and professional environment that values integrity, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Adams & Adams is committed to nurturing talent, promoting diversity, and maintaining the highest standards of governance and regulatory compliance.

Job Overview

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing the full payroll function, ensuring financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

This role serves as the subject matter expert on payroll legislation and systems, managing statutory submissions, year-end processes, and payroll system optimisation while collaborating closely with HR, Finance, and leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities

📑 Payroll Legislation & Compliance

Ensure accurate PAYE, UIF, and SDL calculations and deductions.
Prepare and submit EMP201 and EMP501 reconciliations to SARS.
Monitor legislative changes and update payroll policies accordingly.
Advise HR and partners on BCEA and tax compliance matters.
Liaise with auditors during payroll audits.

🔎 Accuracy & Reconciliations

Validate payroll inputs before processing.
Conduct monthly payroll-to-ledger reconciliations.
Review partner remuneration structures.
Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies.

📊 Analysis & Reporting

Investigate payroll variances and provide management insights.
Analyse payroll trends (overtime, benefits, cost-saving opportunities).
Generate reports for Finance and HR decision-making.
Improve payroll workflows to enhance efficiency.

🔐 Confidentiality & Data Protection

Restrict payroll system access to authorised users.
Ensure compliance with POPIA requirements.
Maintain secure payroll data storage and documentation.

💻 Systems & Leadership

Manage payroll software (Sage, SAP, Oracle, or similar).
Integrate payroll with HRIS systems.
Lead and mentor payroll team members.
Manage tight payroll deadlines during audits and year-end cycles.

Qualifications

🎓 Education

Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field.

💼 Experience

5–7 years’ payroll management experience.
Experience managing payroll for 500+ employees.
Strong knowledge of South African labour and tax legislation.
Experience in professional services or legal industry (Advantageous).
Advanced Excel skills.

🧠 Skills

Payroll system administration expertise.
Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
Leadership and stakeholder management skills.
High attention to detail and confidentiality.
Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

CV Tips

Clearly list payroll systems used (e.g., Sage, SAP, Oracle).
Highlight EMP201 and EMP501 submission experience.
State the number of employees managed in payroll.
Include examples of compliance improvements or audit successes.
Demonstrate leadership and team management achievements.
Quantify efficiency gains (e.g., reduced payroll errors by X%).
Keep your CV structured, professional, and within 2–3 pages.

Benefits of Joining the Company

Work for one of South Africa’s leading law firms.
Strategic leadership role reporting to CFO.
Exposure to high-level governance and compliance structures.
Professional development opportunities.
Competitive market-related remuneration.

Company Policy

Adams & Adams is committed to Employment Equity and transformation. Appointments will be made in accordance with the firm’s Employment Equity Plan.

By applying, candidates consent to the processing of personal information in line with POPIA regulations. If you do not receive feedback within a reasonable timeframe, please consider your application unsuccessful.

The firm reserves the right not to fill the position.

To apply for this job please visit adamsadams.mcidirecthire.com.