Payroll Accountant Job at Barrick Tanzania

This role is responsible for managing and overseeing payroll operations while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing of employee compensation. The Payroll Accountant supports the finance function by maintaining payroll systems, processing financial transactions, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations, company policies, and accounting standards.

The position also plays a key role in financial reporting, auditing, budgeting, and systems management. Working closely with finance supervisors and other departments, the Payroll Accountant contributes to operational efficiency, financial accuracy, and continuous improvement of payroll and accounting processes while maintaining strict confidentiality of financial information.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee payroll processing to ensure timely and accurate employee payments
• Process salaries, benefits, taxes, deductions, garnishments, and payroll adjustments
• Maintain and review payroll accounting systems and records
• Process payroll updates including new hires, terminations, promotions, and salary changes
• Prepare and maintain payroll reports and documentation
• Ensure compliance with payroll laws, tax regulations, and employment requirements
• Support internal and external payroll audits by providing required documentation
• Recommend improvements to payroll systems, software, and procedures
• Process accounting adjustments before month-end reporting
• Manage prepaid expense accounting and monthly reconciliations
• Provide accurate financial information to management when required
• Liaise with central finance teams regarding provision journals and adjustments
• Prepare and process back-charge invoices within accounting systems
• Process inter-company charges and debit notes within required timelines
• Prepare management reports analyzing financial trends and performance
• Prepare financial statements, tax reports, and bank reconciliations
• Record financial transactions through proper journal entries and account classifications
• Assist in tax return preparation and statutory reporting requirements
• Provide systems training to new and existing users
• Extract, maintain, and monitor financial information in SAP, SAGE 300, and related systems
• Maintain accurate electronic financial records and databases
• Ensure confidentiality and security of financial information
• Participate in scheduled audits and compliance reviews
• Submit financial reports accurately and within required deadlines
• Perform additional finance and accounting duties assigned by supervisors

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, Actuarial Science, Economics, or related business field
• Upper Second Class GPA or higher in undergraduate studies
• Minimum of 1–2 years of post-graduation experience in accounting, auditing, payroll, or taxation
• Strong knowledge of payroll accounting principles and payroll processing procedures
• Understanding of financial reporting, auditing, and accounting standards
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial analysis principles
• Familiarity with Tanzanian tax regulations and statutory deductions including PAYE and NSSF
• Experience with integrated financial systems such as SAP, SAGE 300, or similar platforms

General Requirements

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage confidential information with integrity and professionalism
• Strong communication skills in both English and Swahili
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel
• Advanced Excel skills including Pivot Tables, LOOKUP functions, and data analysis tools
• Ability to collect, compile, analyze, and interpret financial information
• Strong leadership and supervisory capabilities
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• High level of accountability, accuracy, and commitment to quality work
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Conclusion:

The Payroll Accountant position offers an excellent opportunity for early-career finance professionals to develop expertise in payroll management, accounting, taxation, financial reporting, and audit processes within a large multinational mining organization. The role provides valuable exposure to advanced financial systems, compliance requirements, and business operations, creating a strong foundation for future career growth. Successful candidates can progress to positions such as Senior Accountant, Payroll Supervisor, Finance Analyst, Tax Accountant, Finance Superintendent, Finance Manager, or other leadership roles within finance and accounting.