Payroll Specialist

1 week ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Meltwater Full time R600 000 - R1 200 000 per year


What We're Looking For:

Are you excited to take your payroll expertise to the next level? We're looking for a detail-oriented, collaborative, and proactive Payroll Specialist to join our People Operations team and help ensure a seamless payroll experience for our employees. In this role, you'll take ownership of our payroll processing for multiple countries within the EMEA region, while supporting global initiatives, ensuring that every payslip is accurate, on time, and fully compliant.

As a Payroll Specialist at Meltwater, you'll be a trusted partner to our HR, Finance, and external vendor teams, managing data, solving problems, and driving improvements across payroll operations. Your work will directly impact employee confidence and operational excellence.

At Meltwater, you'll find an environment that values growth, mentorship, and inclusive leadership. Work alongside experienced professionals and respected leaders, continuously learning and evolving in a dynamic global environment. Join our team and be part of a supportive community that values your contributions and helps you succeed.

What You'll Do:
  • Ensure our employees are paid accurately and on time, while staying fully compliant with local regulations and internal policies.
  • Manage the full payroll cycle for the multiple EMEA countries, including calculating wages, bonuses, statutory deductions, and final payments.
  • Process all payroll transactions across the employee lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding including changes, absences, and adjustments.
  • Review and audit timesheets and payroll data, proactively resolving any discrepancies.
  • Generate and share regular reports for HR, Finance, and external stakeholders, ensuring data accuracy at every step.
  • Maintain up-to-date employee payroll records, including compensation, benefits, and statutory information.
  • Support internal and external audits, and contribute to payroll projects such as M&A integrations and system upgrades.
  • Collaborate with our Finance team on reconciliations and payroll-related accounting queries.
  • Be the go-to contact for employee payroll questions, providing timely, clear, and professional support.
  • Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and compliance across all payroll activities.
  • Continuously seek out ways to improve processes, enhance accuracy, and ensure operational efficiency.
  • Take on additional tasks and support the People team as needed, we're a team-first environment.
What You'll Bring:
  • At least 5 years of hands-on payroll experience, with strong expertise in UK payroll and processed payroll in multiple countries across the EMEA region.
  • A solid understanding of payroll best practices, tax regulations, and statutory requirements.
  • Experience working with payroll and HRIS platforms, especially Workday. Neeyamo is a strong advantage.
  • Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data manipulation) and comfortable working with large data sets in Microsoft Office.
  • Strong analytical and organisational skills
  • Able to work independently, prioritise effectively, and thrive under tight deadlines.
  • A collaborative mindset, excellent communication, approachable, and a strong team player.
  • Energy, positivity, and professionalism, allowing you to take ownership and bring a proactive spirit to your work.
  • A natural problem-solver who stays calm under pressure and always looks for smarter ways of working.
  • Someone who values trust and integrity so you can handle sensitive data with care and discretion.
  • A thoughtful team player and active listener who can build strong working relationships across teams and time zones.
What We Offer:
  • Enjoy flexible paid time off for enhanced work-life balance
  • Meltwater demonstrates commitment to your well-being by contributing towards Discovery Health, ensuring robust healthcare coverage
  • Complimentary CalmApp subscription for you and your loved ones because mental wellness matters.
  • Energetic work environment with a hybrid work style, providing the balance you need
  • Benefit from our family leave program, which grows with your tenure at Meltwater.
  • Thrive within our inclusive community and seize ongoing professional development opportunities to elevate your career.
Where You'll Work: V & A Waterfront, 3 Dock Rd., 8001 Cape Town

When You'll Join: ASAP

Our Story

At Meltwater, we believe that when you have the right people in the right environment, great things happen.

Our best-in-class technology empowers our 27,000 customers around the world to make better business decisions through data. But we can't do that without our global team of developers, innovators, problem-solvers, and high-performers who embrace challenges and find new solutions for our customers.

Our award-winning global culture drives everything we do and creates an environment where our employees can make an impact, learn every day, feel a sense of belonging, and celebrate each other's successes along the way.

We are innovators at the core who see the potential in people, ideas and technologies. Together, we challenge ourselves to go big, be bold, and build best-in-class solutions for our customers.

We're proud of our diverse team of 2,200+ employees in 50 locations across 25 countries around the world. No matter where you are, you'll work with people who care about your success and get the support you need to unlock new heights in your career.

We are Meltwater. Inspired by innovation, powered by people.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Meltwater is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: At Meltwater, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity and strive to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

All employment decisions at Meltwater are made based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the applicable laws and regulations.

Meltwater does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind, and we actively promote a culture of respect, fairness, and inclusivity. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to apply and join us in our mission to drive innovation and make a positive impact in the world.

  • Payroll Specialist

    3 days ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Teleperformance Full time R250 000 - R400 000 per year

    OverviewWe are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Payroll Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for processing and overseeing all payroll-related activities, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with internal policies and payroll deadlines. This includes managing the full payroll lifecycle, from onboarding to...

  • SAP ECC Payroll Specialist

    1 day ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa ExecutivePlacements Full time R560 000 - R840 000 per year

    Recruiter:Open Source (Pty) LtdJob Ref:JHB001264/GTDate posted:Wednesday, December 3, 2025Location:Cape Town, South AfricaSalary:HourlySUMMARY:Role:SAP ECC Payroll SpecialistLocation:Cape Town (Hybrid – 2 days onsite per week)Contract Duration:12 months (with possible extension)Start Date:ImmediateWe are looking for an experiencedSAP ECC Payroll...

  • Payroll & Finance Specialist

    1 week ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1980e59e-7a2e-4ae9-b65c-afebfa1a1f13 Full time R250 000 - R450 000 per year

    About KeenAt Keen, we don't just deliver services. We embed ourselves into the heart of our clients' businesses. From digital marketing and creative to customer experience, we craft bold, high-performance digital experiences for global brands.Keen helps U.S. and international companies scale smarter by embedding expert teams that drive results across...

  • Payroll & Finance Specialist

    1 week ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1980e59e-7a2e-4ae9-b65c-afebfa1a1f13 Full time R250 000 - R400 000 per year

    About KeenAt Keen, we don't just deliver services. We embed ourselves into the heart of our clients' businesses. From digital marketing and creative to customer experience, we craft bold, high-performance digital experiences for global brands.Keen helps U.S. and international companies scale smarter by embedding expert teams that drive results across...

  • Payroll Administrator

    1 week ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Pty Full time R250 000 - R500 000 per year

    Job Advert SummaryAfrica's leading specialist in the manufacturing of premium knitted and woven mattress fabric based in Elsies River industrial  is seeking a Payroll Administrator to manage payroll for both salaried and wage employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing. The role is pivotal in maintaining data integrity, supporting HR...

  • Payroll Operations Manager

    2 weeks ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Virgin Active Full time R1 200 000 - R1 800 000 per year

    Our purpose is…To change people's lives through wellness. We are passionate about supporting people to lead healthy, fulfilled lives by providing a space where they can focus on their physical, mental and social well-being. Wellness can be confusing. We make it easy, honest, and welcoming for everyone.Our mission is to deliver Social Wellness Club...

  • Collections Specialist

    5 days ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Chartwell Housing Finance Solutions (Pty) Ltd Full time R90 000 - R120 000 per year

    Company DescriptionChartwell Housing Finance Solutions (Pty) Ltd is a financial services and advisory company focused on making homeownership affordable in Africa. By collaborating with developers, financial institutions, and employers, Chartwell creates solutions that bridge the housing affordability gap. Utilizing bespoke loan origination and...

  • Business Support Officer

    3 days ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa The Legends Agency Full time R250 000 - R400 000 per year

    Business Support OfficerBe the backbone of a growing recruitment business,  drive operations, payroll & complianceRemote | Recruitment Sector | Market-Related Salary | 9am- 6pmAbout Our ClientOur client is a specialist recruitment company focused on Interim Management and Executive Search. With a strong network spanning multi-level, multi-sector talent up...

  • Financial Accountant

    1 week ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Network1 Full time R400 000 - R800 000 per year

    Financial Accountant – Bring Structure, Insight & Care to a Growing Retail EnvironmentYou don't just work with numbers — you understand the rhythm they create. As someone who thrives on accuracy, structure, and clear financial control, you know that great accounting goes beyond balancing the books — it builds trust, supports growth, and shapes the...

  • Financial Accountant

    7 days ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Network1 Full time R250 000 - R550 000 per year

    Financial Accountants – Bring Structure, Insight and Care to a Growing Retail Environment. You don't just work with numbers — you understand the rhythm they create. As someone who thrives on accuracy, structure, and clear financial control, you know that great accounting goes beyond balancing the books — it builds trust, supports growth, and shapes the...