Payroll Administrator

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd; Eersterivier; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Ember Recruitment 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 and support end-to-end payroll processing for ~1,400 employees, ensuring accurate and compliant delivery.

The role follows a hybrid model requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in the office.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years' experience in payroll processing and administration.
• Experience with high-volume payrolls.
• Good understanding of payroll processes, payroll tax and relevant payroll legislation.
• Advanced Excel proficiency.
• Experience with SARS eFiling.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Daily Payroll Administration: Manage payroll queries, respond professionally, prepare contracts (biweekly).
• Monthly Payroll Processing: Support end-to-end processing for ~1,400 employees; handle starters, terminations, overtime, benefits; validate data.
• Quarterly & Annual Payroll Support: Assist with regulatory submissions and year-end reports for auditors.
• General Team Support: Assist with payroll projects, track queries, support peak periods and meet deadlines.

Skills

Payroll processing

MS Excel

MS Word

MS Outlook

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

BCom / BTech / Diploma in Payroll

Tools

SAGE People

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

SARS eFiling

Job description

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:IRP5COIDSTATS SAUIF.
• 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 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
• SARS eFiling