PAYROLL ADMINISTRATOR

Responsible for executing accurate, timeous, and compliant end-to-end payroll processing, this role requires a candidate who can independently manage accurate input capturing, data verification, rigorous self-auditing, and employee onboarding/terminations while ensuring absolute adherence to South African statutory regulations and strict data confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining and updating employee information on the payroll system.
• Collation, checking, and processing of monthly payroll input.
• Rigorous self-auditing and cross-checking of all captured monthly payroll inputs to guarantee 100% data accuracy prior to management sign-off.
• Complete end-to-end employee lifecycle administration, including processing new hire onboarding, terminations, and reinstatements.
• Issuing UI-19 certificates independently.
• Preparation of monthly payroll reports for sign-off by Management.
• Updating and maintaining the ESS system.
• Statutory Compliance Support: Maintaining working knowledge and correct application of South African statutory regulations, including SARS tax rules, PAYE, UIF, SDL, ETI, POPIA and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).
• Resolving payroll and payslip queries professionally and within designated timelines.
• Assisting Finance with monthly payroll journals and payroll reports.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Matric or a relevant post-Matric qualification.
• A recognized National Diploma or Higher Certificate in Payroll Administration, Accounting, or Human Resources Management.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on payroll administration experience.
• Advanced Computer literacy, with specific reference to Excel (including VLOOKUPs, data formatting, and reconciliations are mandatory).
• Experience and knowledge of the Sage 300 People payroll system.

Personal Competencies

• Effectively prioritizes workload.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations accurately, including percentages, fractions, decimals, and simple mathematical formulae.
• Highly motivated with an ability to solve practical problems and follow written, verbal, or other instructions with several concrete variables.
• Attention to detail: Meticulous approach to numbers with a strong commitment to checking and re-checking own work prior to manager sign-off.
• High Integrity & Confidentiality: Proven track record of handling sensitive financial and employee data with complete discretion.
• Deadline-driven and resilient under pressure during tight monthly payroll closeout periods.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.