Digicall - Payroll Analyst

Trending Talent; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A payroll consulting firm seeks a Payroll Analyst to serve as an expert on payroll systems, improve processes, and ensure compliance. The role involves managing payroll operations, analyzing reports, and collaborating with HR. Candidates should have extensive payroll and data analysis skills, preferably with experience in Sage People and SQL. Strong knowledge of tax regulations and accounting is essential. The position offers a chance to make significant contributions to payroll efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years payroll processing experience required.
• 1-2 years' experience in an analyst role preferred.
• Experience with Sage People and SQL is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with HR and Payroll for master data management.
• Manage and oversee end-to-end payroll processing.
• Ensure compliance with legal payroll standards.
• Generate and analyze payroll reports.

Skills

MS Office proficiency

Payroll knowledge

Data analysis and reporting

SQL proficiency

Sage People proficiency

Understanding tax regulations

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Business / Accounting / Finance / HR

Certificate in SAGE People

Tools

Sage People

SQL

Job description

ROLE SUMMARY

The Payroll Analyst serves as a subject matter expert on the payroll system and provides business support while identifying opportunities for process optimisation and system improvement. The incumbent will be responsible for assessing and improving payroll processes to ensure efficiency and compliance.

This includes conducting thorough research to identify deficiencies and collaborating with HR to implement the necessary changes, reviewing, and ensuring data integrity and data manipulation in providing high level reporting to managers.

The role also entails testing and refining suggested improvements, preparing operational reports for management, and providing guidance to the Payroll Administrator.

Additionally, the Payroll Analyst is responsible for defining business requirements, addressing payroll requests, and ensuring software conforms to documented specifications. This role requires a sound understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and compliance requirements, and involves working closely with stakeholders to drive payroll performance.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum: Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Business / Accounting / Finance / HR or any other relevant field.

Preferred: Certificate in SAGE People / a relevant payroll qualification.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 5 years payroll processing experience.
• 1 to 2 years' experience working in an analyst role or related position.
• Experience in using Sage People for payroll processing and analytics would be preferred.
• Experience in using SQL for payroll analysis would be advantageous.
• Experience in integrating and managing large datasets from diverse sources, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and reliability.

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Proficiency in MS Office products (MS Word & Advanced MS Excel Skills).
• Sound knowledge of payroll and accounting practices and principles.
• Sound knowledge of medical aid schemes and pension funds.
• Understanding of tax and related matters as refers to payroll & HR management.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of payroll data analysis and reporting.
• Extensive knowledge of applicable payroll laws and regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of business and process analysis functions.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data interpretation to derive meaningful insights from HR data sets.
• Proficiency in payroll software (Sage People would be preferred).
• Proficiency in the application and use of SQL would be advantageous.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the coordination efforts between HR, Payroll, and other streams to ensure proper flow and maintenance of employee master data.
• Identify process improvement initiatives and define processes for new standards.
• Provide support and guidance to the Payroll Administrator to educate them on the system and modifications concerning payroll processing.
• Manage the payroll system and oversee end‑to‑end payroll processing.
• Ensure accurate and timely disbursement of salaries and benefits.
• Handle statutory deductions, taxes, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Regularly update and maintain payroll records, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure company payroll practices comply with legal standards.
• Generate and analyse payroll reports for management review.
• Provide insights into payroll‑related metrics and trends.
• Address and resolve payroll‑related queries and discrepancies.
• Conduct in‑depth analysis of payroll processes to identify deficiencies, financial and operational risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Test new payroll management processes and methods to check their efficiency.
• Implement new and improved payroll practices and processes that align with the overarching business goals and financial requirements.
• Suggest improvements to the payroll system and audit procedures to enhance the efficiency of payroll and time‑tracking systems.
• Ensure continuous communication to understand business needs and align with priorities, emphasizing process improvement objectives.
• Offer technical and payroll processing support, as and when required.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to resolve any issues.
• Notifying various departments including IT and talent on staff leavers and joiners.
• Conduct quarterly audits on remuneration and benefits compliance.