Payroll Manager

Wunderman Thompson

Department: Finance

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Who we are:

At Wunderman Thompson we exist to inspire growth for ambitious brands. Part creative agency, part consultancy and part technology company, our experts provide end-to-end capabilities at a global scale to deliver inspiration across the entire brand and customer experience.

We are 20,000 strong in 90 markets around the world; our people bring together creative storytelling, diverse perspectives, inclusive thinking, and highly specialized vertical capabilities to drive growth for our clients. We offer deep expertise across the entire customer journey, including communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology.

Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented individual to join our company as a Payroll Manager. The Payroll Manager will play a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of the payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payment of employee salaries, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent organisational abilities, and a comprehensive understanding of payroll systems and processes as well as accounting principles.

Responsibilities:

  • Providing guidance and support to finance department to ensure payroll functions are performed accurately and efficiently.
  • Accurately post payroll information into the financial reporting system monthly
  • Coordinate and supervise the full payroll cycle, including data input, processing payroll, calculating, and recording deductions.
  • Collaborate with HR and Finance departments to maintain accurate employee data, ensuring all changes related to pay, benefits, tax withholdings, and deductions are updated in a timely manner.
  • Monitor and comply with all local payroll tax regulations and reporting requirements, including filing appropriate tax forms, and making timely tax payments.
  • Stay up to date with changes in payroll laws and regulations, assessing their impact on the company's payroll practices and implementing necessary adjustments to ensure compliance.
  • Prepare and maintain accurate payroll records, reports, and documentation for auditing and legal purposes.
  • Handle inquiries and resolve issues related to payroll from employees, management, and external stakeholders, providing excellent customer service.
  • Collaborate with the IT department to optimize payroll software and systems, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in payroll processing.
  • Conduct regular payroll audits to identify and rectify discrepancies or errors, ensuring high data integrity and accuracy.
  • Develop and implement internal controls related to payroll, in order to maintain confidentiality and prevent fraud or unauthorized access to sensitive payroll information.
  • Ensure all payroll information and records are maintained in accordance with statutory requirements and support internal and external audits related as such.
  • Review and abide by WPP policies and procedures.
  • Oversee and on-going maintenance of ESS and leave management and data integrity of sage 300.
  • Efficient and accurate payroll Implementations of company mergers on the payroll system
  • Run the dummy runs for HR and CFO Approval

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field.
  • Proven experience (3 years) in payroll management or a similar role, preferably in a medium to large-sized organization.
  • Thorough knowledge of local payroll laws and regulations.
  • Proficiency in using payroll software/systems SAGE/SAGE 300 and Microsoft Office Suite Excel. 
  • Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle and interpret large sets of data accurately.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet strict deadlines.
  • Solid understanding of accounting principles and general ledger reconciliation.
  • Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex payroll concepts to diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to mentor and develop a payroll officer.
  • High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality when handling sensitive payroll information

Available to start preferably 1 November 2023

 

At Wunderman Thompson, we are committed to actively building a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued and heard, and is treated with dignity and respect.  As leaders and creative partners across industries, it is our responsibility to cultivate an environment reflective of our greatest asset; our people. We believe that this commitment inspires growth and delivers equitable outcomes for everyone as well as the clients and communities we serve.

Wunderman Thompson is a WPP agency.  For more informationplease visit our website and follow Wunderman Thompson on our social channels via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.  

Note: We rely on legitimate interest as a legal basis for processing personal information under the GDPR for purposes of recruitment and applications for employment.

When you click the "Submit Application" button below, this will send any information you add below to Wunderman Thompson. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

When you click the "Submit Application" button above, this will send any information you add below to Wunderman Thompson. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.