Payroll and HR Administrator

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Red Ember Recruitment is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organised Payroll and HR Administrator on behalf of our client based in Montague Gardens, Cape Town. This role is operationally critical within the HR function and requires an individual who can confidently manage payroll processes with a high degree of accuracy, professionalism, confidentiality, and accountability. The successful candidate will be responsible for payroll administration, payroll reconciliations, employee benefits administration, time and attendance management, HR support, reporting, and employee query resolution within a fast-paced operational environment. This is a fully office-based role and would suit someone who enjoys structure, ownership, and working closely with employees and line management on a daily basis. Monthly Payroll Administration: Prepare timesheets in conjunction with Supervisors for payroll input Gather and collate payroll data with supporting documentation Process payroll changes and ensure all required authorisations are obtained Check payroll entries, process payroll, and submit for approval Prepare payroll schedules and EFT documentation Upload payroll data onto the payroll management system Reconcile payroll accounts to the General Ledger monthly Handle employee payroll queries professionally and timeously Prepare IRP5 submissions within SARS deadlines Distribute IRP5 certificates annually Ensure payroll compliance and accuracy at all times Time & Attendance and Leave Administration: Monitor Eco-Time reports and absenteeism daily Review and reconcile monthly timesheets Maintain accurate employee attendance records Support and assist employees with Eco-Time and ESS queries Process and authorise leave requests Reconcile attendance registers against payroll data Investigate and resolve leave discrepancies Engagement & Termination Administration: Coordinate onboarding and pre-employment documentation Arrange interviews and HR-related meetings where required Register new employees on Eco-Time Manage employee onboarding administration Ensure terminations are processed accurately and timeously Assist employees with benefit-related onboarding and exit processes Personnel Records & Filing: Prepare and maintain employee files Ensure all payroll and HR records remain accurate and up to date Maintain organised payroll and HR filing systems Ensure confidentiality of employee information at all times Canteen, Savings & Loan Administration: Manage canteen deductions and payroll-related adjustments Process savings and loan administration Reconcile loan applications and payroll deductions Update payroll and banking spreadsheets Assist employees with related payroll queries Reporting & Compliance: Prepare monthly HR and payroll reports Assist with Employment Equity and BBBEE reporting Prepare payroll information for budgeting and audits Support financial year-end reporting requirements Reconcile third-party payments including: SARS Pension Funds Medical Aid Maintain accurate compliance documentation and filing HR Administration Support: Assist with employee queries and HR administration Support the HR Director and HR team with operational tasks Maintain HR calendars, notices, and employee communication Assist with onboarding administration Support employee engagement and HR coordination activities Requirements Essential Requirements: 3–5 years’ payroll administration experience Extensive Premier VIP experience (non-negotiable) HR administration exposure Strong payroll reconciliations and compliance experience Experience with PAYE, ESS, and Eco-Time Strong Excel skills including: Formulas Pivot tables Reconciliations Reporting Experience in an operational or manufacturing-type environment Strong administrative and organisational ability Excellent attention to detail Ability to work accurately under pressure and within strict deadlines Ability to work independently and take ownership Strong interpersonal and communication skills Ability to deal professionally with confidential employee matters Diploma or qualification in Payroll, HR, or Finance advantageous We are looking for someone who is: Professional and emotionally mature Approachable and service-driven Dependable and proactive Adaptable to changing processes and systems Team-oriented while still able to work independently Comfortable engaging with employees across all levels of the business