Payroll Administrator

Zohorecruit; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd is seeking an experienced Payroll Administrator to join our established Business Services team on a 9-month fixed-term contract, based at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. You will manage day-to-day payroll administration for ~1,400 employees in a fast-paced environment.

The role follows a hybrid model with a minimum of 4 days in the office weekly. Strong MS Excel skills and SARS e@syFile experience are essential.

Qualifications

• BCom/BTech or diploma in Payroll, Accounting or HR or related field.
• 2–3 years’ payroll processing experience.
• Strong MS Excel and MS Office knowledge.
• Experience with SARS e@syFile and eFiling.
• Experience with high-volume payrolls.

Responsibilities

• Daily payroll administration for ~1,400 employees.
• End-to-end monthly payroll processing.
• Process payroll inputs and changes; respond to queries.
• Assist with regulatory submissions (IRP5, COID, STATS SA, UIF).
• Support process improvements and peak payroll periods.

Skills

Payroll processing

Communication

Education

Payroll/Accounting qualification

Tools

MS Excel

SAGE People

Dynamics 365 Business Central

SARS e@syFile

eFiling

Job description

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd | Contract

Payroll Administrator

Cape Town, South Africa | Posted on 30/09/2026

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking an experienced Payroll Administrator to join an established Business Services team on a 9-month fixed-term contract, based at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.

The successful candidate will provide day-to-day payroll administration and support the end-to-end processing of a payroll of approximately 1,400 employees, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant payroll delivery.

The role follows a hybrid working model, with the successful candidate required to work a minimum of 4 days per week in the office at the V&A Waterfront. This role is suited to an experienced payroll professional who is comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and collaborating closely with an established payroll team.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily Payroll Administration
• Manage payroll-related queries via the shared mailbox, ensuring agreed service levels are maintained.
• Prepare employment contracts, generally on a twice-weekly basis.
• Process employee contract changes and payroll-related information.
• Respond to employee and manager payroll queries professionally and efficiently.

Monthly Payroll Processing

• Support end-to-end monthly payroll processing for approximately 1,400 employees.
• Process new starters, terminations, overtime, commissions, benefits and other payroll inputs.
• Capture and validate payroll information accurately.
• Prepare payroll reports according to business requirements.
• Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies and exceptions.

Quarterly & Annual Payroll Support

Assist with regulatory and statutory submissions, including:

• IRP5
• COID
• STATS SA
• UIF
• Assist with the preparation of financial year-end reports for external auditors.

General Team Support

• Assist with payroll projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Provide general payroll and administrative support to the wider team.
• Track outstanding queries and ensure matters are followed through to resolution.
• Support the team during peak payroll periods and work additional hours when required to meet payroll deadlines.

Requirements

• BCom, BTech, diploma or relevant qualification in Payroll, Accounting, HR or a related field.
• 2–3 years' experience in payroll processing and administration.
• Good understanding of payroll processes, payroll tax and relevant payroll legislation.
• Experience working with high-volume payrolls.
• Strong knowledge of MS Office, particularly intermediate to advanced Excel.
• Experience with SARS e@syFile and eFiling.
• Experience with SAGE People and Business Central will be advantageous but is not essential.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Technical Skills

• MS Outlook
• MS Word
• Intermediate to Advanced Excel
• SAGE People – advantageous
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central – advantageous