Payroll Manager

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

Some companies are in the business of banking. Others are in the business of shoes. Or sports. Or soft drinks. At EF, we're in a different kind of business. One that's a little less tangible, and a lot more important. Because our business, what we make, makes everything else possible. We're in the business of understanding. Between people. Between cultures.

For over half a century we’ve been the leader in international educational programs and experiences designed to foster such understanding. Through language, cultural exchange, academic studies, and educational travel, we create the kinds of immersive experiences that challenge biases, open minds, and pave the way for a more understanding world.

You’ll find our offices and schools located in some of the world’s greatest cities, and filled with smart, driven people (over 50,000 of us) who push each other to be better every day. But it’s what we do together - building greater understanding, breaking down barriers, and creating a better world - that makes all the difference.

Founded in 1965 in Sweden, EF (Education First) is a global association of education companies that share a common mission of opening the world through education. EF has been recognized on Forbes 2025 and 2024 World’s Best Employers and 2024 Top Companies for Women lists, Fast Company’s 2025 Next Big Things In Tech, and was a 2024 App Store Award winner in Cultural Impact.

About The Team

EF Teach Online is a division of EF, a global leader in language learning with more than 60 years of educational innovation. We deliver high‑quality online learning through a world‑class digital platform that reaches students around the world.

Our teams operate at the intersection of education, technology, and global operations—working across time zones to enhance our platform, improve learner engagement, and support thousands of educators and students every day.

Joining EF Teach Online means contributing to a mission‑driven, international organization focused on opening the world through education within a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative environment.