Fixed term - Payroll Officer

Wunderman Thompson; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency in Johannesburg is seeking a Payroll Officer to manage the accurate processing of payroll for four entities. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of payroll experience, strong knowledge of South African legislation, and proficiency in Sage 300. This role requires attention to detail and excellent communication skills, contributing to a hybrid work environment that values creativity and connection.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of demonstrable payroll processing experience.
• A relevant qualification in payroll administration, accounting, or human resources would be highly regarded.
• Essential experience with Sage 300, ESS systems, Microsoft Office 365 suite, and SARS eFiling and EasyFile.
• Solid understanding of South African payroll legislation, including PAYE, UIF, SDL, and related acts.
• Meticulous approach to data entry and processing with a strong focus on accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with employees and management.
• Ability to identify and resolve payroll discrepancies and issues efficiently.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive payroll information.
• Proactive, reliable, team player, and able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Accurately process monthly payroll for four entities using Sage 300.
• Administer employee leave requests via the ESS system.
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely statutory reports for PAYE, UIF, SDL, and Stats SA.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, South African labour laws, and payroll regulations.
• Address employee inquiries regarding payroll, leave balances, and statutory deductions.
• Compile and submit monthly payroll reports to relevant departments.

Job description

Overview

Who We Are: At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

What you’ll do

The Payroll Officer plays a vital role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for VML SA\'s four entities. This position requires a strong understanding of payroll legislation, proficiency in Sage 300, and experience with Employee Self-Service (ESS) systems. The Payroll Administrator will be responsible for managing all aspects of the payroll cycle, including data entry, processing, reporting, and compliance. They will also provide support to employees regarding payroll inquiries and maintain accurate records.

• Payroll Processing: Accurately process monthly payroll for four entities using Sage 300, ensuring all payroll data (earnings, deductions, benefits) is up to date. Handle payroll adjustments, salary-related transactions, and generate dummy payslips as needed.
• Leave Management: Administer employee leave requests via the ESS system, track and update leave balances, ensure ESS accuracy, and provide support to employees using the system.
• Statutory Reporting: Prepare and submit accurate and timely statutory reports for PAYE, UIF, SDL, and Stats SA. Stay abreast of legislative changes impacting payroll compliance and reporting.
• Compliance and Audits: Maintain compliance with company policies, South African labour laws, and payroll regulations. Assist with internal and external audits related to payroll and leave administration.
• Employee Support: Address employee inquiries regarding payroll, leave balances, and statutory deductions. Provide clear communication regarding payroll timelines, changes, and updates.
• Reporting: Compile and submit monthly payroll reports to relevant departments.
• Other Duties: Assist with pension fund administration, medical aid administration, and other ad-hoc tasks as required.

What you’ll need

• Proven Experience: 3-5 years of demonstrable payroll processing experience.
• Qualifications: A relevant qualification in payroll administration, accounting, or human resources would be highly regarded.
• Software Proficiency: Essential experience with Sage 300 (non-negotiable), ESS systems, Microsoft Office 365 suite, and SARS eFiling and EasyFile.
• Legislation Knowledge: Solid understanding of South African payroll legislation, including PAYE, UIF, SDL, and related acts.
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to data entry and processing with a strong focus on accuracy.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with employees and management.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify and resolve payroll discrepancies and issues efficiently.
• Time Management and Organization: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive payroll information.
• Personality Traits: Proactive, reliable, team player, and able to work independently.

We believe the best work happens when we\'re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That\'s why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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