SIERRA LEONE TEACHING SERVICE COMMISSION

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Director of Teacher Payroll

Job Title: Director of Teacher Payroll

Reports to: Secretary/Chairman

Grade Level: Management (11)

Location: HQ, Freetown

Contract Type: Full-time

Supervises: Staff in the Payroll Department

Job Purpose:

The Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of the overall management, administration, and control of the payroll system for teachers in Sierra Leone.

The position ensures that salaries, allowances, and statutory deductions are processed accurately, transparently, and on time, while maintaining compliance with government regulations and financial management standards. The role also supports the Commission’s mandate to effectively manage the teacher workforce in Sierra Leone by ensuring reliable payroll systems that promote prudent fiduciary management, leading to improved welfare and motivation of teachers.

Key Deliverables

• Maintain an up-to-date and accurate payroll database for all PIN-code teachers on the payroll nationwide.

• Submit statistical and analytical reconciliation of payroll reports to senior management on or before the 8th of every month.

• Liaise with the Accountant General’s Department for the timely and accurate payment of salaries and allowances to all teachers.

• Resolve, and report monthly on all payroll complaints and discrepancies from teachers, for the attention of Management.

• Coordinate effectively with relevant government institutions (Ministry of Finance) on payroll matters.

• Maintain and implement strong payroll controls to prevent errors, fraud, and irregularities.

• Ensure compliance with government financial regulations and payroll policies.

• Liaise with the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General’s Department on all matters relating to teacher payroll management.

• Ensure the submission of the payroll matrix from all TSC District Offices on or before the 30th of each month, for consolidation in preparation for review and approval by the IA and PSC.

• Submit the approved payroll matrix to the Accountant General’s Office for implementation on or before the 10th of each month.

• Develop an annual work plan and report to support payroll planning and budgeting for teachers.

• Serve as Secretary to the Payroll Steering Committee.

Key Responsibilities

1. Payroll Management – Oversee the preparation, processing, and validation of the national teacher payroll. – Ensure the accurate and timely payment of salaries and allowances to teachers across the country. – Maintain and update payroll databases (NASSIT, NIN, DoB) of all teachers in line with teacher recruitment, deployment, promotion, and retirement.

1. Payroll Systems Administration

• Supervise the management and operation of payroll systems (IFMIS, CSM) and other related digital platforms. 
• Ensure the timely inclusion of successful applicants into the payroll system, following recruitment and verification of teacher data through the Teacher Registration and Licensing and the Teacher Management Departments.
• Monitor monthly payroll data quality and resolve discrepancies and duplications. –
• Ensure that the suspension and reinstatement of teachers are implemented in accordance with the recommendations of the Payroll Steering Committee.

2. Compliance and Financial Control:

• Ensure that payroll processes comply with government financial regulations and public service procedures. 
• Implement internal controls to prevent payroll fraud, ghost names, and irregular payments. 
• Liaise with oversight institutions, including the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Ministry of Finance, and the Payroll Steering Committee, on payroll matters.

4. Payroll Reconciliation and Reporting 

• Conduct detailed monthly payroll reconciliation and verification, and submit a report to Management for deliberation. 
• Prepare and submit monthly payroll statistical and analytical reports to Management. 
• Support and actively participate in external and internal audits relating to teacher payroll.

5. Policy Implementation:

• Support the implementation of policies relating to teacher remuneration and teacher management. 
• Provide technical advice to Management on payroll planning and budgeting.

6. Pension and Benefit Payment Coordination

•  Support the processing and payment of retirement and pension benefits and other entitlements administered by the Teaching Service Commission. 
• Ensure that retirement and pension payroll data are accurate and aligned with recruitment records.

7. Supervision and Capacity Building 

• Supervise payroll staff and ensure effective team performance.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentoring to all payroll staff.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or Business Administration.

• Professional certification, such as ACCA, CIMA, or its equivalent, will be an added advantage.

• A minimum of 8–10 years’ relevant professional experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management role in payroll management and administration.

• Experience managing large payroll systems, preferably within government or public-sector institutions.

Key Competencies

Technical

• Strong knowledge of payroll processing, salary structures, allowances, deductions, and statutory obligations.

• Knowledge of the operation of IFMIS/CSM.

• Ability to manage electronic payroll systems and databases.

• Ability to analyse payroll data and generate accurate reports for decision-making.

• Understanding and implementation of payroll policies and procedures. Managerial

• Ability to supervise payroll staff and coordinate activities effectively.

• Ability to plan and improve payroll systems and processes in line with the TSC mandate.

• Capacity to make sound and timely decisions related to payroll operations. • Ability to work with other departments and external stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Finance and the Payroll Steering Committee.

• Ability to address payroll discrepancies, complaints, and operational challenges.

Personal

• Integrity and high ethical standards when handling sensitive salary information.

• Accuracy in reviewing payroll records and financial data.

• Ability to communicate payroll policies and procedures clearly to staff and stakeholders.

• Ability to meet strict payroll deadlines and manage multiple tasks efficiently.

• A strong sense of responsibility for ensuring accurate and timely salary payments.

• Ability to adapt to changes in payroll policies, systems, and government regulations.

Applications

• Hard copies of completed CVs and application letters should be forwarded to The Secretary, TSC, 7 Priscilla Street, Freetown.

• Please note that Police Clearance/ACC vetting is required for this role to ascertain the integrity of the successful candidate.

• Candidates who have previously applied for this position need not apply again.

Closing date: On or before close of business on 30th June 2026.