Payroll Manager

Betko Fresh Produce, established in 1988, is a family-operated business specialising in the export of premium apples and pears to over 40 countries. Rooted in Villiersdorp, South Africa, Betko has grown from a local fruit trader into a respected international supplier.

The company currently has a vacancy for an experienced Payroll Manager who will be responsible for the full management and control of payroll for weekly and bi-weekly paid employees at Betko. This includes managing weekly payrolls across multiple departments and overseeing final payroll processing for the five farms within Groenewald Agri.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the end-to-end payroll cycle for weekly and bi-weekly staff
• Reconcile payroll against HR records, time and attendance data and system outputs (FCS & Crest)
• Approve payroll reports, wage payment schedules and employee payslips
• Monitor and enforce payroll calendars, deadlines and cut-off dates
• Produce and review payroll operational and management reports - including staff lists, payroll summaries, deductions, bonuses and third-party submissions
• Perform payroll-to-system reconciliations and support Finance with queries, audits and reporting
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, statutory requirements and third-party obligations (UIF, tax, WCA, Provident Fund, unions)
• Maintain payroll schedules, statutory data, timelines and communicate legislative changes
• Manage statutory, annual and bi-annual payroll submissions, including SARS, (IRP5, EMP201/EMP501), WCA and leave provisions
• Implement and maintain payroll controls to ensure accuracy, compliance and audit readiness
• Identify payroll risks, discrepancies, trends and drive continuous improvement in processes, systems and reporting

Requirements:

• Diploma/certificate in finance or payroll-related field preferred
• Proven experience managing large, complex payrolls (3+ years on FCS and Crest)
• Strong analytical, accounting and reconciliation skills
• Proficient in payroll/HR systems, spreadsheets and reporting tools
• Excellent communication, leadership and time management skills
• Ability to manage employee onboarding, terminations, disciplinary actions and payroll audits
• High integrity, attention to detail and ability to work under pressure
• Professional, patient and resilient
• Confident, assertive and capable of enforcing policies
• Strong team leadership and independent working abilities
• Open to continuous learning and process improvements