Employee Compensation Coordinator

SET Recruitment Consultants; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment consulting firm in Cape Town is looking for an Employee Compensation Coordinator to handle payroll processing for 240 employees, ensuring compliance with legislation and offering support for payroll queries. Ideal candidates will possess a diploma in Human Resources or Finance, coupled with payroll experience and proficiency in payroll systems. The role is hybrid, with 3 days in office and 2 days remote working.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years’ hands-on payroll administration experience.
• Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll cycles.
• Strong knowledge of South African payroll legislation.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end payroll for approximately 240 employees.
• Maintain compliance with tax legislation and internal policies.
• Act as the first point of contact for payroll-related queries.

Skills

Payroll systems proficiency

Strong legislative and regulatory knowledge

Advanced Excel and payroll reporting skills

Strong employee support capability

Education

Diploma or Degree in Human Resources, Finance, or a related field

SAPA Payroll Practitioner Certificate

Tools

Sage

PaySpace

VIP

Job description

Employee Compensation Coordinator

Market-related Salary

12 month Fixed term Contract

Cape Town

We are seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Employee Compensation Coordinator to join a dynamic People & Culture team. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, legislative compliance, and effective support to employees with payroll-related queries. It is well suited to a payroll professional with a solid foundation who is ready to take on increased responsibility and contribute to process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end payroll for approximately 240 employees across multiple payrolls
• Ensure payrolls are processed accurately and on time
• Maintain compliance with tax legislation, statutory deductions, and internal policies
• Maintain and update payroll records, including new hires, terminations, promotions, and salary changes
• Verify payroll inputs are fully supported by required documentation and approvals
• Perform payroll reconciliations and resolve discrepancies timeously
• Prepare payroll reports for Finance, HR, and external stakeholders
• Liaise with third-party providers such as payroll system vendors, benefit administrators, and consultants
• Support payroll-related audits and ensure documentation is accurate and audit-ready
• File monthly salary inputs and maintain complete payroll records
• Act as the first point of contact for payroll-related queries, resolving issues professionally
• Collaborate closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure aligned payroll processes
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and support system enhancements
• Provide general administrative support and assist with ad hoc payroll tasks

Qualifications & Certifications

• Diploma or Degree in Human Resources, Finance, or a related field
• SAPA Payroll Practitioner Certificate (preferred)
• Payroll processing training
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Training or courses in Labour Law, Tax Compliance, or Data Protection (POPIA/GDPR)
• Short courses in Payroll Auditing, Process Improvement, or Digital HR Tools are advantageous
• Exposure to multi-country or cross-border payroll is beneficial

Experience Required

• 2–4 years’ hands‑on payroll administration experience
• Strong knowledge of South African payroll legislation, including PAYE, UIF, SDL, and statutory reporting
• Experience using payroll systems such as Sage, PaySpace, VIP, or similar
• Proven experience managing end‑to‑end payroll cycles
• Experience supporting payroll audits
• Strong employee support capability, including handling queries and resolving discrepancies

Key Competencies

Technical

• Payroll systems proficiency
• Strong legislative and regulatory knowledge
• Payroll reconciliation and data accuracy
• Advanced Excel and payroll reporting skills
• Understanding of HRIS and ERP integrations
• Secure handling of confidential payroll information
• Process improvement and automation mindset

Behavioural

• Exceptional attention to detail
• High accountability and reliability
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Excellent time management
• Clear and professional communication
• Collaborative team player
• Adaptable and quick to learn
• Strong customer service orientation
• High ethical standards and integrity

Additional Information

• Contract: Fixed-term (12 months)
• Work model: Hybrid (3 days office-based, 2 days remote)
• Start date: Immediate / January start preferred