Payroll Controller – SAB (AB InBev) | Sandton, Gauteng

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Position: Payroll Controller
Location: Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Reference Number: 30099602
Closing Date: 25 June 2026

About the Company

SAB is South Africa’s leading brewer and a subsidiary of AB InBev, one of the world’s largest brewing companies. The company operates multiple breweries and distribution depots across South Africa and employs thousands of people. SAB is known for iconic brands including Castle Lager, Carling Black Label, Corona, Brutal Fruit, Flying Fish, and several other popular beverages.

With a purpose of “We Dream Big to Create a Future With More Cheers,” SAB focuses on innovation, sustainability, responsible consumption, and creating meaningful career opportunities for talented professionals.

Position Summary

SAB is looking for a highly experienced Payroll Controller to manage payroll operations, payroll governance, compliance, and payroll administration activities. The successful candidate will ensure accurate payroll processing, maintain strict payroll controls, oversee payroll audits, and lead a team of payroll administrators to achieve operational excellence.

This role is ideal for an experienced payroll professional with strong leadership capabilities, extensive SAP Payroll knowledge, and a solid understanding of South African payroll legislation and compliance requirements.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

  • Manage end-to-end payroll processing activities.
  • Ensure payroll inputs are processed accurately and on schedule.
  • Review and authorize payroll transactions before payroll runs.
  • Validate payroll information to ensure completeness and accuracy.
  • Coordinate monthly payroll activities across departments.
  • Monitor payroll deadlines and ensure timely salary payments.

Payroll Governance and Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with payroll governance frameworks.
  • Conduct Management Information and Control Systems (MICS) checks.
  • Maintain payroll policies and procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with PAYE and payroll-related legislation.
  • Support internal control measures and risk management initiatives.
  • Ensure payroll records are maintained according to audit requirements.

Reporting and Auditing

  • Prepare monthly payroll reports and variance analyses.
  • Review payroll reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
  • Compile audit documentation and support external auditors.
  • Produce management reports and payroll statistics.
  • Monitor payroll trends and identify areas for improvement.

Team Leadership and Development

  • Supervise and support payroll administrators.
  • Allocate payroll tasks and monitor performance.
  • Ensure Service Level Agreement (SLA) compliance.
  • Conduct coaching and performance reviews.
  • Mentor team members and encourage professional development.
  • Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Employee Support

  • Resolve complex payroll-related queries.
  • Investigate payroll discrepancies and payment issues.
  • Provide payroll guidance to employees and managers.
  • Ensure high levels of employee satisfaction through efficient payroll services.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

  • BCom Degree or Finance-related qualification.

Experience

  • 5 to 8 years of payroll experience.
  • Previous supervisory or people management experience.
  • Extensive experience managing payroll processes in a large organization.

Technical Requirements

  • SAP Payroll experience (essential).
  • Payspace Payroll experience (advantageous).
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
  • Strong Microsoft Office proficiency.
  • Payroll reporting and reconciliation experience.

Knowledge Requirements

  • South African PAYE legislation.
  • Payroll governance and compliance frameworks.
  • Payroll auditing principles.
  • Payroll policies and procedures.
  • Internal control and risk management practices.

Competencies and Skills

Successful candidates should possess:

  • Strong analytical thinking abilities.
  • Excellent numerical and financial skills.
  • Exceptional attention to detail.
  • Strong leadership and people management skills.
  • Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • High level of professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Strong stakeholder management abilities.
  • Organizational and planning skills.

Benefits of Working at SAB

Employees enjoy the opportunity to:

  • Work for a globally respected organization.
  • Build a long-term career within AB InBev.
  • Gain exposure to advanced payroll systems and processes.
  • Participate in leadership and development programs.
  • Work in a diverse and inclusive environment.
  • Access growth opportunities across South Africa and internationally.

Ideal Candidate Profile

This opportunity is best suited to an experienced payroll professional who enjoys managing complex payroll operations, leading teams, ensuring compliance, and driving process improvements. Candidates with strong SAP Payroll expertise and a passion for accuracy, governance, and employee service delivery will thrive in this role.

Apply Here