SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Strategic Role Objective
To ensure the accurate, compliant, and timely processing of all payroll-related activities while supporting the integrity of employee data, remuneration practices, and reporting processes. This role plays a key part in maintaining employee trust, audit readiness, and operational excellence across the organisation's payroll and benefits administration.
Main responsibilities and accountabilities:
Payroll Processing
- Prepare, process, and reconcile monthly payroll runs for all employees (salaried and contract) using the company’s payroll software
- Capture and verify all variable inputs (overtime, commissions, bonuses, deductions, leave adjustments)
- Ensure timely submission of payroll to finance for payment and maintain all supporting records
Compliance & Statutory Submissions
- Administer statutory deductions (PAYE, UIF, SDL, and pension/provident fund contributions)
- Submit monthly EMP201 declarations and coordinate with external accountants for EMP501 biannual submissions
- Keep abreast of changes to tax legislation, SARS requirements, and ensure payroll processes remain compliant
Employee Support & Data Management
- Serve as the first point of contact for payroll-related queries from employees, resolving issues with discretion and professionalism
- Maintain accurate employee records (contracts, benefits, terminations, etc.) and ensure confidentiality of all personal and financial information
- Support the onboarding and offboarding processes with payroll-related documentation and setup
Reporting & Analysis
- Generate monthly payroll reports for People & Culture and Finance, including salary breakdowns, headcount costing, and leave liabilities
- Assist in salary benchmarking and audit preparations when needed
- Identify and recommend improvements to payroll processes and controls
Collaboration & Special Projects
- Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to align payroll with talent management, benefits, and performance incentives
- Participate in projects such as digital system rollouts, reward audits, and process optimisation initiatives
- Contribute to building a compliant, ethical, and employee-centric reward culture
Preferred Qualifications
- Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Payroll Administration, Human Resources, Accounting, or related field
- Professional Certification in Payroll (e.g., South African Payroll Association – SAPA) is advantageous
- Minimum of 4–6 years’ experience in a payroll function, preferably in a mid-sized professional services or corporate environment
- Familiarity with South African payroll systems (Sage, SimplePay, PaySpace, etc.)
Skills and Competencies:
Technical
- Payroll processing
- Excel proficiency
- HRIS / payroll software
- Tax calculations
Compliance
- Knowledge of BCEA, SARS, UIF, SDL and retirement fund legislation
Personal Competencies:
- Analytical - Accuracy, attention to detail, problem-solving, data reconciliation
- Communication - Clear, tactful communication with employees and external stakeholders
- Professionalism - Confidentiality, reliability, discretion, trustworthiness
- Organisational - Time management, task prioritisation, process ownership
- Collaboration - Ability to work across People, Finance, and external providers
Contract Terms
- Working Hours: 15-20 hours per month
