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Junior International Payroll Specialist (JB6191)

  • Remote, for applicants living in South Africa

Junior International Payroll Specialist (JB6191)
Location: Remote, South Africa
Salary: Market-related
Employment Type: Initial 12-month contract (Intended conversion to perm via of Employer of Record)

If you have built a solid payroll foundation and find yourself restless for something bigger, this is the role that turns that ambition into a career. A fast-growing international HR and payroll consultancy headquartered in the Netherlands is expanding its remote team and looking for a junior payroll specialist based in South Africa who is ready to move beyond local payroll and into the world of multi-country, multi-client international payroll operations. This is not a placeholder role while you wait for something else. It is a deliberate step into a specialist career path with real exposure, real responsibility and a team that has worked across every corner of the globe.

The successful candidate will join a consultancy that solves complex payroll puzzles for clients worldwide, stepping into different business environments, industries and operating models throughout their career. The team is built on expertise, curiosity and the willingness to keep learning as payroll legislation and global standards continue to evolve. Remote-first, internationally connected and genuinely invested in the growth of its people, this organisation rewards ambition and celebrates individuals who bring their whole selves to work.

This role is the launchpad. Starting with solid South African payroll experience as the foundation, the successful candidate will be developed into a specialist who can support increasingly complex multi-country payroll environments. Working alongside experienced global payroll professionals, the role offers hands-on exposure to international payroll operations, country-specific legislation, diverse payroll systems and direct client interaction from day one.

What's in it for you
Real international payroll exposure from early in your career, not years down the line
Mentorship from experienced global payroll consultants and a supportive team structure
Exposure to multiple payroll systems with training provided where needed
The opportunity to build knowledge across different countries, industries and client environments
A clear and intentional career path into international payroll specialisation
A high-energy team that encourages individuality, rewards curiosity and invests in continuous professional development

Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in HR, Finance, Accounting, Commerce or a related field
2 to 3 years of practical payroll processing experience in South Africa
Exposure to payroll for at least one additional country outside South Africa is advantageous
Good understanding of payroll legislation, inputs, deductions, reconciliations and statutory deadlines
Experience using at least one recognised payroll system such as ADP, Workday, SAP, SD Worx, Sage, Deel, Remote, CloudPay or similar
Strong Microsoft Excel skills
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential
Proficiency in German, French, Italian or another European language is highly advantageous
A payroll qualification or certification is advantageous
A genuine long-term commitment to specialising in international payroll, not a stepping stone into generalist HR
Ability to work independently and communicate proactively in a fully remote environment

Key Responsibilities
Support the processing of payrolls for international clients across multiple countries
Assist with payroll validations and reconciliations
Coordinate with payroll providers and internal teams to meet deadlines
Respond to payroll queries from clients and employees in a professional and timely manner
Maintain payroll records, employee data and supporting documentation
Support year-end payroll activities and statutory compliance reporting
Document payroll processes and follow structured quality-assurance controls
Learn country-specific payroll legislation and requirements on an ongoing basis
Build capability across multiple payroll systems and platforms
Support continuous improvement initiatives within the payroll team
Build strong working relationships with colleagues, clients and payroll partners across different countries

Keywords
Junior Payroll Specialist, International Payroll, Multi-Country Payroll, Payroll Administrator, Payroll Clerk, Global Payroll, Payroll Consultant, Remote Payroll, South Africa Payroll, ADP, Workday, SAP, SD Worx, Sage, CloudPay, Deel, Payroll Reconciliation, Statutory Payroll, Payroll Compliance, Payroll Systems, Netherlands, European Payroll, Payroll Bureau, Outsourced Payroll

Please do not apply using scanned CVs; no supporting documentation is required at this point. This will be requested later.

Kontak Recruitment Disclaimer
Equal opportunity: All backgrounds are welcome, with no bias. All are considered based on requirements.
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Offer clarity: The Advert is not a binding offer. Written offers based on pre-employment conditions.
No direct link: Advert is not tied to Kontak Recruitment. We assist in the employment process ONLY.
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