Payroll Assistant Manager / Manager

The Payroll Assistant Manager / Manager will be responsible to Manage end-to-end payroll operations for local client portfolios, ensure accuracy, compliance with Mauritian employment and tax laws, and effective coordination with statutory bodies, insurance providers, and pension administrators.

Payroll Assistant Manager / Manager

Purpose of the Role

The Payroll Assistant Manager / Manager will be responsible for managing and overseeing the end-to-end payroll operations for local clients' portfolios, ensuring compliance with Mauritian employment and tax regulations, accuracy of payroll processing, and effective liaison with statutory bodies, insurance providers, and pension administrators.

This role requires strong technical expertise in payroll management, leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders in a dynamic professional services environment. Knowledge of employment and tax regulations in the African and regional juridisction will be an advantage. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the payroll team in processing monthly payroll for local employees, ensuring accurate calculations of basic pay, overtime, allowances, deductions, bonuses, and final settlements.
• Ensure timely submission of statutory returns to the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), National Pension Fund (NPF), National Savings Fund (NSF), and other relevant bodies.
• Manage end-of-year processes including Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) certificates and annual returns.
• Ensure payroll compliance with the Workers’ Rights Act, Employment laws, and relevant regulations in Mauritius.
• Act as the main liaison with insurance providers, pension plan administrators, and medical scheme providers for enrolment, monthly premium submissions, and reconciliations.
• Coordinate with external auditors during payroll reviews and ensure full audit readiness.
• Work closely with Finance, HR, and Legal teams to resolve payroll discrepancies and provide strategic input on payroll-related matters.
• Provide advisory support to internal teams and clients on complex payroll and tax queries.
• Review and streamline payroll processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Support payroll system upgrades, implementation of automation tools, and data integrity checks.
• Maintain and update payroll standard operating procedures (SOPs) in line with regulatory and company changes.
• Ensure effective integration between payroll, HRIS, and finance systems for smooth operations.
• Supervise and coach a team of payroll officers, ensuring work quality and adherence to deadlines.
• Allocate responsibilities effectively to meet monthly and annual payroll cycles.
• Promote continuous learning and development within the payroll team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in payroll management in Mauritius
• A Degree in Human Resource Management, Accounting, Finance or Business Administration from a recognised institution.
• Strong understanding of Mauritian labour and tax legislation
• Demonstrated experience liaising with pension and insurance providers.
• Previous experience in payroll outsourcing for local, African/regional clients will be an advantage

Key Competencies

• Proficiency in payroll software and HRIS platforms (e.g., Microsoft D365, Sage, or equivalent).
• Good knowledge of the Mauritian employment and tax legislation.
• Good knowledge of data protection laws and GDPR
• High attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Discretion and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Leadership skills with a focus on team development and service excellence.
• Strong knowledge of Excel and payroll reporting tools.