Payroll Manager

Role Overview

EF Education First is hiring a Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations for South Africa from its Cape Town Waterfront office. This is a hands-on leadership role within a busy, international organization, reporting to the Senior Operations Director. The position owns the full payroll cycle, serves as the local payroll specialist, and contributes to broader improvements in systems, processes, and service quality.

Core Duties

The role covers the complete payroll process for more than 400 permanent employees across several business units. It includes checking payroll accuracy through reconciliations, audits, and variance reviews, as well as reviewing and authorizing payroll runs completed in ADP Celergo. The manager will also handle both regular and one-off payroll items such as bonuses and adjustments.

In addition, the role requires ensuring compliance with South African payroll legislation and statutory obligations, including EMP201, EMP501, SARS-related directives, and Workmen’s Compensation submissions. The Payroll Manager will also help shape payroll policies and procedures, support automation and continuous improvement efforts, and work with central teams on localizing and configuring Oracle HCM for South Africa.

Employee lifecycle support is another part of the role, including payroll-related onboarding and exit processes, medical aid administration, vendor coordination, and payroll input for disciplinary matters when needed. The role may also involve dealing with the CCMA and other external parties.

On the leadership side, the Payroll Manager will coach and guide junior payroll staff, review team output for accuracy and compliance, act as the main payroll advisor for South Africa, and contribute to audits, reporting, and operational insights.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate has a diploma or further qualification in HR, Payroll, Accounting, or a related discipline. Membership of SAPA would be beneficial. Strong English communication skills are required. The role calls for at least 5 years of payroll experience, ideally in a complex or high-volume environment, along with solid knowledge of South African payroll legislation and compliance requirements.

Applicants should be highly accurate, quality-focused, analytical, and comfortable managing multiple priorities independently. Advanced MS Office skills are essential, and experience with ADP, Oracle, and Salesforce would be an advantage. Prior people management experience is also helpful.

What the Role Offers

This opportunity comes with a high degree of autonomy, room to grow professionally, a modern Waterfront office in Cape Town, a collaborative international culture, and a competitive benefits package aligned to market standards.

About EF

EF Education First is a global education company focused on building understanding between people and cultures through language learning, cultural exchange, academic study, and educational travel. Founded in Sweden in 1965, the organization operates internationally with a large global workforce and has earned recognition on several employer and innovation lists.

About EF Teach Online

EF Teach Online is part of EF and delivers online language learning through a digital platform used by learners around the world. The team works across education, technology, and global operations to improve the platform, strengthen learner engagement, and support educators and students in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.