UJ is keen to interview a dynamic, strategically minded individual with the ability to lead and further develop the Payroll unit. The primary responsibility of the Director: Payroll and Projects is to lead the unit, which resides within the Financial Governance and Control Department, within the Finance Division. This unit is regarded as a centre of excellence responsible for the institutional payroll function, while also supporting the Finance Executive team on critical projects and governance initiatives.

Attributes associated with leadership at senior management level are critical to this role such as analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, relationship management, implementing appropriate oversight and instillation of controls. Improve the payroll management maturity to facilitate attainment of strategic objectives. 

Assist the Executive Director: Financial Governance and Control to:

• To manage the Payroll and Strategic Financial Management Projects functions:
  • Payroll - manage payroll administration, systems and compliance requirements for correct, timeous, and legally compliant capturing and maintenance of payroll.
  • Financial management – provide support with strategic financial management initiatives, including finance policies and process efficiencies.
• Oversee the accuracy and integrity of payroll administration, including the accurate and timeous payment of salaries
• Oversee the management of statutory deductions and payments to ensure compliance to legislative requirements
• Collaborate with HCM to ensure the review, maintenance and implementation of payroll related policies and procedures
• Oversee payroll reconciliations are performed in compliance with policies and statutory requirements
• Provide direction to the Payroll team
• Oversee the Payroll function and system compliance with legislation, for example: updated UIF changes are effected; tax is  deducted according to new tax tables; pension and medical aid are deducted correctly
• Serve as an escalation point for complex client payroll queries
• Oversee and provide customer centric support on payroll administration
• Oversee efficient running, posting an uploading of payrolls uploaded according to agreed processes and procedures
• Support team regarding third party requests (SARS, insurances etc.) as required to resolve any queries or business requirements
• Oversee timely submission of statutory reports as necessary (e.g. SARS tax legislation, UIF etc.)
• Liaise with relevant statutory institutions and government departments to address any queries
• Coordinate and manage SLAs within area of responsibility
• Represent the University on the various Payroll related platforms (e.g. Pension Fund, oversight structures).
• Supports the Finance management team with policy and process efficiencies.
• Develop projects governance framework to ensure consistent implementation and delivery of strategic projects with the Division.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders on projects support and implementation
• Monitor the interdependencies between projects and changes within the portfolio.
• Maintain an excellent working knowledge of, and work proactively and in accordance with, all current and anticipated legislative requirements and best practice 
• Partner with relevant stakeholders to ensure reporting requirements are met including completion of Financial Statements and other financial reporting to external and internal stakeholders
• Roll out of new approvals and authorisation framework.
• Establish and maintain appropriate systems (analytical tools, information systems, projections of cost behaviour) and policies to ensure effective and efficient management of resources
• Develop and manage internal service level agreements with other divisions
• Ensure effective identification and management of business risks, resources and continuous improvement
• Manage capacity within the Division/Department to ensure sustained service delivery

• Registration with SAICA as a Chartered Accountant CA (SA).
• Five (5) to eight (8) years' senior management experience in financial environment
• Proven management, resource and people management
• Postgraduate qualification and/or advanced technical or professional certification (NQF 8)
• Comprehension and ability across key financial management components, including IFRS and taxation requirements.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Decision making skills
• Ability to identify and resolve problems
• Ability to assess self and others and to take corrective action
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Ability to plan, develop, coordinate and direct programs and initiatives
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative fashion and to successfully manage conflicts leading to positive outcomes within the resources available. Ability of functioning strategically and operationally (“hands-on” approach when required), making quick and effective decisions
• Delegate duties to others
• Take accountability
• Business and management principles and processes within the specific environment
• Electronic financial processing
• Microsoft Office systems
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and controls in practice
• Project management principles
• Pay attention to detail and work accurately
• Ability to monitor and assess performance of self and other individuals to make improvements or take corrective action
• Customer centric
• Innovative
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with a wide constituent group of University employees, students, external funders, other universities, and the public, including resolution of queries.
• Ability of functioning strategically and operationally (“hands-on” approach when required), making quick and effective decisions
• Delegate duties to others
• Take accountability