Payroll Manager

EF Education First

Cape Town

On site based at our Cape Town Waterfront offices

As Payroll Manager at EF Education First, you will play a critical role in supporting a large, fast-paced, and international organization. Reporting directly to the Senior Operations Director, you will own end-to-end payroll for South Africa and act as the local subject-matter expert. This role offers the opportunity to drive process improvements, influence system enhancements, and expand your impact beyond traditional payroll responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Manage end-to-end payroll for 400+ full-time employees across multiple business units

• Perform payroll reconciliations, audits, and variance analysis

• Validate and approve payroll cycles processed through ADP Celergo

• Manage recurring and non-recurring payroll inputs, including bonuses and adjustments

• Ensure full legislative and statutory compliance, including EMP201, EMP501, SARS directives, and Workmen’s Compensation submissions

Systems, Process & Integration Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain payroll-related policies and procedures

• Drive automation initiatives and continuous quality improvements

• Partner with central teams to lead Oracle HCM localization and configuration for South Africa

Employee Lifecycle Management

• Oversee payroll-related onboarding and offboarding activities

• Manage Medical Aid administration and vendor coordination

• Provide payroll input and guidance on disciplinary processes as required

• Liaise with the CCMA and external stakeholders when necessary

Leadership & Advisory

• Mentor, train, and support junior payroll team members

• Review payroll work for accuracy and compliance

• Act as the primary payroll advisor and subject-matter expert for South Africa

• Support internal and external audits and provide accurate reporting and insights

Profile

• Diploma or further education in HR, Payroll, Accounting, or a related field

• SAPA membership is advantageous

• Fluent in English

• 5+ years of payroll experience, preferably in a complex or high-volume environment

• Strong knowledge of South African payroll legislation and compliance

• Advanced proficiency in MS Office; experience with ADP, Oracle, and Salesforce is an advantage

• Highly accurate, detail-oriented, and quality-driven

• Strong analytical and communication skills

• Able to work independently and manage competing priorities

• Previous people management experience is an advantage

What We Offer

• Significant autonomy and opportunities for professional growth

• Modern office located in Cape Town’s Waterfront

• Collaborative, international working environment

• Competitive, market-related benefits package