Payroll Strategy & Compliance Expert

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for a Payroll Strategy & Compliance Expert in South Africa.

This is a strategic and highly specialized role focused on shaping and scaling payroll compliance across global operations. You will act as the subject-matter expert for payroll regulations, translating complex legal requirements into efficient systems, processes, and product features. Working at the intersection of compliance, technology, and operations, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy, scalability, and audit readiness. The role combines deep regulatory expertise with systems thinking, enabling you to influence both product design and operational excellence. In a fully remote and fast-evolving environment, you will lead critical initiatives, resolve complex compliance challenges, and drive continuous improvement. This is an ideal opportunity for someone passionate about building compliant, future-ready payroll solutions at scale.

• Own and manage payroll compliance for assigned regions, ensuring all local regulations are accurately interpreted and implemented across systems and processes
• Translate statutory requirements, tax rules, and payroll logic into structured product and engineering specifications
• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, and Design teams to embed compliance into system architecture and user workflows
• Lead complex audits and compliance programs, including planning, execution, and remediation strategies
• Act as the escalation point for compliance incidents, driving investigations and implementing corrective and preventive actions
• Design and maintain scalable governance frameworks, including SOPs, controls, and monitoring mechanisms
• Develop and deliver training materials, documentation, and enablement programs to strengthen internal compliance capabilities
• Partner cross-functionally with Legal, Operations, and Customer facing teams to ensure alignment and support business growth initiatives

• Deep expertise in payroll, tax, and employment compliance within a specific country or region
• Proven experience leading audits, regulatory reviews, or large scale compliance initiatives
• Strong ability to translate legal and regulatory requirements into technical specifications and system logic
• Experience working closely with product and engineering teams in a technology driven environment
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence cross functional teams and senior leadership
• Strong analytical and problem solving capabilities, particularly in high risk or complex compliance scenarios
• Experience designing scalable processes, frameworks, and documentation for operational excellence
• Ability to mentor and coach team members, fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement
• Comfortable working in a fast paced, remote, and asynchronous environment
• Fluency in English (written and spoken)

• Fully remote work environment with the flexibility to work from anywhere
• Flexible working hours supported by an asynchronous work culture
• Generous paid time off and parental leave policies
• Mental health and wellness support services
• Competitive compensation and equity opportunities
• Learning and development budget for continuous professional growth
• Home office setup and IT equipment provided
• Budget for co working spaces and local team meetups

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!