Human Resources Payroll Administrator

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.)