ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING (PAYROLL)

REFERENCE NUMBER: 300126/02
BRANCH: Finance
DIRECTORATE: Financial Accounting (WTE)
SALARY: R468 459 per annum (Level 09)
CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office

PURPOSE OF THE POST

The Department invites applications from highly qualified, motivated, and experienced candidates for the position of Assistant Director: Financial Accounting (Payroll). The successful candidate will provide leadership and oversight of payroll operations within the Financial Accounting Directorate and ensure the accurate administration, reporting, and reconciliation of salaries and staff-related financial transactions.

This position requires a professional who can manage payroll processes in compliance with relevant legislation, departmental policies, PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and financial prescripts. The incumbent will supervise a team of payroll professionals, provide financial guidance, and ensure the delivery of accurate and timely payroll services to the Department.

KEY OBJECTIVES

1. Implement and monitor cash management and payroll policies to ensure accurate and compliant salary processing and reporting.

2. Oversee the monthly payroll process, including verification, reconciliation, and approval of salaries, deductions, and employee tax matters.

3. Supervise and mentor payroll staff, ensuring effective workflow, delegation, and performance management.

4. Support annual and interim financial audits by preparing lead schedules, responding to audit queries, and ensuring compliance with audit requirements.

5. Ensure safe custody, record-keeping, and control of payroll documents, IRP5/IT3(A) certificates, and related employee records.

6. Monitor unusual transactions, suspense accounts, and other payroll-related discrepancies, recommending corrective action as necessary.

7. Ensure effective collaboration with internal stakeholders, including HR, Finance, Tax authorities, and third-party service providers.

REQUIREMENTS

• A relevant NQF Level 7 qualification in Financial Management, Accounting, or a related field.

• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant supervisory experience in payroll or financial accounting.

• A valid, unexpired driver’s license.

• Knowledge and understanding of cash management legislation, financial policies, and departmental procedures.

• Understanding of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, and financial reporting requirements.

• Knowledge of Public Service anti-corruption strategies and measures to prevent fraud in payroll administration.

• Working knowledge of governmental financial systems, principles, and practices, including SAP.

• Competence in Microsoft Office Suite (MS Excel, MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).

• Strong numeracy, analytical, planning, and organizational skills.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills.

• Willingness to travel as required.

KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCIES, AND SKILLS

The ideal candidate must demonstrate:

• Supervisory and leadership skills, including planning, delegating, monitoring, and managing the performance of staff.

• Problem-solving and analytical skills to resolve payroll and accounting discrepancies.

• Client orientation and customer focus, ensuring accurate, timely, and professional payroll service delivery.

• Ability to interpret and implement financial legislation, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Time management and prioritization skills, ensuring compliance with deadlines and reporting requirements.

• People and diversity management, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

• Strong ethical conduct and accountability, aligned with Public Service values.

• Effective communication, both written and verbal, with the ability to prepare reports and presentations for senior management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Assistant Director: Financial Accounting (Payroll) will be responsible for the following key duties:

Payroll Administration

• Ensure the accurate processing of monthly salaries, allowances, and deductions in compliance with relevant legislation and policies.

• Monitor employee tax deductions, including PAYE, UIF, and other statutory contributions.

• Administer third-party deductions, tax directives, and adjustments as required.

• Oversee the distribution, management, and control of IRP5/IT3(A) certificates.

• Conduct monthly payroll reconciliations, reviewing suspense accounts, and resolving anomalies.

• Ensure payroll adjustments and journals are processed accurately and in a timely manner.

Financial Oversight and Compliance

• Implement and monitor payroll and cash management policies to ensure compliance with PFMA and Treasury Regulations.

• Prepare lead schedules and supporting documentation for audits, including responding to internal and external audit queries.

• Monitor and reconcile staff debtors, salaries, and tax administration activities.

• Ensure proper record-keeping, safe storage, and control of payroll-related documentation.

• Ensure adherence to departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all payroll activities.

Supervision and Staff Management

• Supervise, mentor, and manage the payroll team, ensuring effective workflow and delegation.

• Approve leave requests, SAP authorizations, and staff submissions on system workflows.

• Sign performance agreements and assessments for subordinate staff.

• Facilitate staff training and development to build capacity within the unit.

• Support the Deputy Director in executing operational and strategic responsibilities.

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare weekly and monthly payroll management reports for senior management.

• Monitor unusual transactions or irregularities in payroll accounts and recommend corrective action.

• Compile and analyze payroll data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.

• Support year-end processes, including the preparation of audit files and submission of required financial information.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with Human Resources, Finance, and other departments to ensure accurate employee information and timely payroll processing.

• Ensure effective communication with internal and external stakeholders regarding payroll matters.

• Provide guidance to staff and management on payroll-related issues and financial prescripts.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure all payroll operations comply with PFMA, Treasury Regulations, departmental policies, and financial reporting prescripts.

• Implement fraud prevention measures and maintain high ethical standards within the payroll unit.

• Monitor compliance with anti-corruption measures and internal control procedures.

• Ensure accountability, transparency, and integrity in all payroll activities.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

The successful candidate will be evaluated on the following key performance areas:

• Accuracy and timeliness of payroll processing and reconciliations.

• Compliance with PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and departmental policies.

• Effective management and supervision of payroll staff.

• Responsiveness to audit queries and quality of audit responses.

• Implementation of corrective actions for discrepancies in payroll accounts.

• Quality and timeliness of payroll reports and analyses submitted to management.

• Contribution to process improvements and operational efficiency within the Financial Accounting Directorate.

ENQUIRIES

For further information, please contact:
Mr Thabiso Toka
Tel: (012) 336 8378

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are requested to submit the following:

• A completed and signed Z83 application form (effective from 01 January 2021), obtainable from any Public Service Department or online at www.dpsa.gov.za.

• A comprehensive CV detailing qualification, experience, and contact information.

• Certified copies of qualifications and supporting documentation (to be submitted if shortlisted).

Submission Methods:

• Online via the departmental e-Recruitment portal.

• By hand at the Pretoria Head Office, Finance Branch.

• By post to the relevant departmental address as indicated in the advertisement.

CLOSING DATE

30 January 2026

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents.

• Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

• The Department reserves the right not to fill any advertised post.

• Applications must comply with all stated requirements; incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications may be disqualified.