Payroll Administrator

ExecutivePlacements.com; Durban; On-site; ZAR 144 000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment agency based in Durban is searching for a Payroll Administrator to manage payroll functions for around 200 employees. You'll ensure compliance with HR policies and labor laws, provide operational support, and generate payroll reports. The ideal candidate has a relevant qualification in HR or Finance and at least two years of payroll experience, alongside proficiency in MS Excel. This role requires a detail-oriented and organized team player ready to contribute to a busy manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience in payroll administration or payroll management.
• Strong understanding of South African tax and labour laws.
• Reliability and confidentiality in handling payroll data.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly payroll processing for ±200 employees.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and labour legislation.
• Generate payroll reports including PAYE returns and third-party payments.

Skills

Payroll administration

MS Excel

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Operational mindset

Understanding of South African tax laws

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in HR, Payroll or Finance

Tools

Accsys or similar payroll systems

Job description

Recruiter: Network Recruitment

Job Ref: NPr003140/EHo

Date posted: Sunday, January 18, 2026

Location: Durban, South Africa

Salary: 144000 Annually

SUMMARY

If you believe payday should always land on time, every time and you get real satisfaction from clean payroll runs, accurate tax submissions and happy employees… then clock in right here. Our client, a well-established manufacturing company based in Durban’s Western Suburbs, is looking for a Payroll Administrator who can keep people paid, compliant and accounted for in a fast‑paced operational environment.

POSITION INFO

This manufacturing business operates in a high-volume, hands‑on environment where payroll accuracy and employee data management are critical to daily operations. As the Payroll Administrator, you’ll manage the full payroll function for approximately 200 employees, working closely with HR, operations and finance. This is a highly involved role combining payroll processing, employee data coordination, compliance and operational support.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Oversee monthly payroll processing for ±200 employees
• Ensure compliance with HR policies, tax and labour legislation
• Manage daily absenteeism reporting
• Review and validate advances and overtime claims
• Maintain medical aid additions and terminations and reconcile to invoices
• Track incentive bonuses, attendance and payroll increases
• Communicate all payroll changes to the HR Manager
• Resolve payroll queries accurately and efficiently

Employee Data & Time & Attendance

• Maintain a daily requisitions tracker per staff allocation
• Conduct daily staff allocation for approved requisitions
• Balance time & attendance with payroll and invoicing
• Administer biometric systems and troubleshoot system issues
• Enrol permanent and contract staff on time & attendance and security systems
• Maintain accurate employee records and payroll master data

Reporting, Tax & Month‑End

• Generate payroll reports including PAYE returns and third‑party payments
• Ensure statutory submissions are completed by the 7th of each month
• Prepare month‑end payroll journals and integrate into the financial system
• Compile reports on overtime, leave balances, headcount and management metrics
• Prepare biannual and annual tax submissions

TES & Operational Support

• Reconcile Temporary Employment Services (TES) invoices to agreed rates
• Assist with year‑end activities, wellness initiatives, social events and team building
• Provide reception relief and operational backup when required
• Assist with issuing staff uniforms

Job Experience and Skills Required

• Relevant tertiary qualification in HR, Payroll or Finance
• 2+ years experience in payroll administration or payroll management
• Exposure to Accsys or similar payroll systems
• Solid understanding of South African tax and labour laws
• Proficient in MS Excel and payroll reporting tools
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Clear communication and strong people skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Hands‑on, operational mindset
• Reliable, organised and confidential
• Team player willing to support operational needs beyond payroll

If you’re ready to own payroll from clock‑in to payslip, keep compliance tight, and support a busy manufacturing operation — this could be your next solid move. Apply now and let’s make payday perfect!

Recruiting Specialisations

• Financial Managers
• Financial Accountants
• Management Accountants
• Financial Controllers
• Cost Accountants
• Payroll
• All Finance C‑Suite roles

If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider the vacancy application unsuccessful. Your profile will be kept on our database for any other suitable roles / positions.

Contact

For more information, contact:
Elzette Hood
Executive Recruitment Consultant
Connect with me on LinkedIn!