Payroll Controller (VIP Premier / ESS / Fihrst) (EE)

SUMMARY:
A well-established multinational organisation is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist (Employment Equity position) to take full responsibility for the end-to-end monthly payroll function.

POSITION INFO:

Payroll Controller (VIP Premier / ESS / Fihrst) (EE)

Location: Montague Gardens, Cape Town
Salary: Negotiable up to R48 000 per month + Medical Aid + Pension Fund

About the Role

A well-established multinational organisation is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist (Employment Equity position) to take full responsibility for the end-to-end monthly payroll function.

This role requires a highly detail-oriented and deadline-driven professional who can manage payroll administration, statutory compliance, reporting, reconciliations, and HRIS maintenance with accuracy and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Monthly Payroll Administration

• Capture and process all payroll input accurately, ensuring supporting documentation and approvals are in place.
• Run monthly payroll and submit to the HR Director for approval by the 19th of each month.
• Prepare final payroll pack, including Fihrst schedules and EFTs, for CFO authorisation by the 20th.
• Upload payroll data to the Fihrst Management System within required timelines.
• Reconcile payroll accounts to the General Ledger monthly.
• Address and resolve payroll queries timeously.
• Prepare and submit bi-annual IRP5 submissions to SARS within statutory deadlines.
• Ensure annual distribution of IRP5 certificates via ESS or manually before tax season.

Third-Party Payments & Compliance

• Reconcile and process payments to SARS, Pension/Provident Funds, Medical Aid, Housing Loans, Savings & Loans, and other third parties.
• Verify accuracy of reports prior to submission.
• Maintain accurate monthly filing of all third-party reconciliations.

Reporting & Statutory Submissions

• Prepare monthly HR reports for submission by the 3rd of each month.
• Provide payroll data for budgeting, Employment Equity reporting, Compensation Fund (Return of Earnings), BBBEE and audit purposes.
• Prepare financial year-end payroll reports.
• Submit quarterly Employment Statistics reports to the Department of Labour.
• Assist HR Manager with ad hoc reporting requirements.

Leave & HR Administration

• Review and authorise leave requests on ESS within 3 days.
• Reconcile attendance registers with VIP payroll system monthly.
• Monitor excessive leave and notify managers accordingly.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee and EXCO files.
• Ensure payroll and HR filing systems are compliant and well maintained.

Annual Processes & HR Support

• Prepare confidential salary increase and bonus spreadsheets.
• Capture increase data accurately on the system.
• Generate and distribute increase letters using mail merge.
• Support HR Director and HRBP with ad hoc projects.
• Assist in planning and coordinating HR events, medical aid and pension fund roadshows.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in HR Management, Business Administration or Finance (preferred).
• Payroll qualification advantageous.

Experience

• 5–8 years’ proven payroll experience.
• Experience within a multinational/global organisation advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation and statutory requirements.

Technical Skills

• VIP Payroll experience essential.
• Strong Excel proficiency.
• Experience with HRIS and financial reconciliation processes.

Key Competencies

• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to engage with all levels of the business.
• Deadline-driven with strong compliance mindset.
• Team player with a proactive, solution-oriented approach.