Payroll Accountant at PepsiCo Cape Town, South Africa

Join Our Team: Payroll Accountant – Cape Town HQ (PepsiCo South Africa)

Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Department: Finance
Job ID: 408523
Employment Type: Full-time

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers over one billion times every day across more than 200 countries and territories. With over $79 billion in net revenue (2021), our global portfolio includes world-famous brands like Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream — each generating over $1 billion in annual retail sales.

Guided by our vision “Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive)”, we focus on sustainability, human capital, and operating within planetary boundaries to create value and drive growth that benefits both people and the planet.

In South Africa, PepsiCo is home to household brands such as Simba, Lay’s, Liqui Fruit, and Bokomo. With more than 13,000 employees across our Bakeries, Grains, Foods, Fruit, Snacks, Juice & Beverages divisions, we refresh, restore, and rejuvenate consumers every day.

Learn more at www.pepsico.com.

About the Role

PepsiCo South Africa is looking for a skilled and motivated Payroll Accountant to join our team at the Cape Town Headquarters. The successful candidate will manage payroll-related financial transactions, ensure compliance with US GAAP and PepsiCo policies, and support efficient payroll operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Check and upload external payroll service provider transactions
• Compile and process ad hoc payroll-related journals
• Perform and manage payroll general ledger (GL) balance sheet reconciliations
• Resolve aged unreconciled items and escalate issues to management
• Prepare and submit cross charges for Expats and Impats
• Support process improvement initiatives to streamline payroll operations
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
• Process third-party and SARS payments accurately and on time
• Participate in year-end audits and liaise with external auditors
• Build and maintain relationships with global stakeholders
• Support and collaborate with the Payroll and HR Operations departments
• Conduct performance reviews and train backup resources

Qualifications & Experience:

• BCom Degree in Accounting or Financial Management
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Accounting or Finance
• Sound knowledge of South African payroll procedures
• Advanced Excel skills (including Pivot Tables and VLOOKUPs)
• Familiarity with SAP and strong understanding of internal controls
• Experience in payroll reconciliation will be an advantage

At PepsiCo, we believe in equal opportunity for all.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion in line with the Employment Equity Act.

Apply now and become part of a global company that values innovation, integrity, and impact — one where your career can truly thrive.