Senior Payroll Administrator

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Red Ember Recruitment is recruiting for a Senior Payroll Administrator for our client in Johannesburg. Requirements Payroll Administration Administer and process the monthly payroll accurately and within prescribed deadlines. Capture and verify all payroll inputs, including new appointments, terminations, salary adjustments, leave deductions, commissions, overtime, allowances, bonuses, garnishee orders, and other payroll transactions. Reconcile payrolls prior to final processing and ensure the integrity of payroll data. Generate and distribute monthly payslips to employees. Prepare monthly payroll reports for management and finance. Create requisitions for all payroll-related payments and ensure appropriate approvals are obtained. Follow up with Finance to ensure all payroll-related payments are processed timeously. Maintain payroll records and monthly payroll filing systems. Resolve payroll queries and provide payroll support to employees and management. Maintain confidentiality of payroll and employee information at all times. Assist with internal and external payroll audits. Statutory Compliance and SARS Administration Ensure full compliance with all SARS payroll legislation and regulatory requirements. Prepare, reconcile, and submit all monthly statutory returns through SARS eFiling, including: o EMP201 submissions o PAYE payments o Skills Development Levy (SDL) o Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) contributions Prepare monthly SARS payment requisitions and ensure payments are made within statutory deadlines. Liaise with the Finance Department to confirm that all SARS liabilities are paid timeously. Manage and submit bi-annual and annual EMP501 reconciliations. Generate, reconcile, and distribute IRP5 and IT3(a) certificates annually. Investigate and resolve all SARS payroll queries, reconciliations, and exceptions. Ensure payroll records comply with SARS audit requirements. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation, SARS regulations, tax directives, UIF, SDL, and employment-related statutory requirements. Manage all UIF declarations and submissions within prescribed deadlines. Provide payroll compliance reports and supporting documentation during audits and compliance reviews. Employee Benefits Administration Reconcile and submit monthly employee benefit schedules to brokers and service providers, including: o Medical Aid o Group Life Cover o Disability Benefits o Pension and Provident Funds (where applicable) Ensure accurate payroll deductions and employer contributions. Resolve employee benefit-related queries. Maintain accurate benefit records and ensure employee changes are updated timeously Time and Attendance Administration Administer and maintain the company's Time and Attendance System. Review and reconcile attendance, overtime, leave, and shift data prior to payroll processing. Update and maintain employee rosters in accordance with operational requirements. Monitor and resolve timekeeping discrepancies. Provide support and training to managers regarding rostering and attendance processes. Maintain a strong working knowledge of EcoTime and ensure accurate integration between payroll and time management systems. Liaise with operational managers to ensure roster compliance and payroll accuracy. Payroll and System Administration Act as the primary liaison between the company and payroll system providers. Ensure payroll software and EcoTime system updates are implemented, tested, and communicated timeously. Communicate with software vendors and service providers regarding system enhancements, troubleshooting, statutory updates, and compliance changes. Assist with system testing relating to payroll changes and legislative updates. Ensure payroll master data is maintained accurately. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Qualifications and Experience Minimum Grade 12. Diploma or Certificate in Payroll Administration, or a related field will be essential. Minimum 5 years' experience as a Senior Payroll Administrator or similar payroll role. Proven experience managing large payrolls in a multi-site environment. Extensive knowledge of South African payroll legislation and employee taxation. Proven experience with: o EMP201 submissions o EMP501 reconciliations o IRP5 processing o UIF administration o SDL administration o SARS eFiling and Experience working with Payroll, HRIS, and Time & Attendance systems. Experience with PayDay Payroll Software will be advantageous. Experience with EcoTime is essential. Computer Literacy Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly Excel. Payroll Software proficiency, preferably Sage 300.