Payroll Administrator

WatersEdge Solutions; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading payroll solutions provider is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Administrator in Johannesburg. This hybrid position requires proficiency in Sage People300 and excellent administrative skills. The successful candidate will manage payroll processes, ensure compliance with South African labour laws, and act as a liaison between HR and finance. This role offers the opportunity to work in a supportive environment focused on employee well-being and operational efficiency.

Benefits

Dynamic work environment

Supportive company culture

Opportunities for process improvements

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Sage People300 & ESS is essential.
• Strong understanding of South African labour law and BCEA is required.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Maintain payroll accuracy and resolve employee queries.
• Process payroll data in Sage People300 & ESS.
• Onboard new employees and verify documentation.
• Administer employee loans and leave processing.
• Prepare payroll data reports for analysis.

Skills

Sage People300

Excel

Time management

Confidentiality

Communication

Problem-solving

Tools

DocuVision

Jira

Job description

Overview

Location: Hybrid – Johannesburg; Employment Type: Full-Time; Industry: Financial Services | HR & Payroll

WatersEdge Solutions is partnering with a client to find a detail-oriented Payroll Administrator who thrives in a dynamic, multi-entity environment. If you’re highly organised, proficient with Sage People300, and passionate about delivering accurate payroll and employee services, this is the perfect opportunity to step into a collaborative, impact-driven role.

What You’ll Do

As a Payroll Administrator, you’ll be responsible for maintaining payroll accuracy, resolving employee queries, managing system updates, and ensuring all statutory requirements are met. You’ll be the go-to liaison between HR, Finance, and third-party payroll vendors, playing a crucial role in ensuring payroll runs smoothly and compliantly across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Onboard new employees and verify ID, banking, and tax information
• Process and maintain payroll data in Sage People300 & ESS
• Liaise with vendors for background checks and manage invoice processing
• Apply for income tax numbers and tax directives via SARS eFiling
• Administer staff loans, advances, and Paycurve deductions
• Handle leave processing, Jira ticket queries, and employee updates
• Prepare and process monthly referral fees in collaboration with the recruitment team
• Export payroll and employee data reports (e.g., terminations, banking, variances)
• Administer ESS access, password resets, and payroll system permissions
• Act as liaison with VAT IT and external Sage consultants (T3T)
• Assist with audit preparation and employee document back scanning (DocuVision)

What You’ll Bring

• Proficient in Sage People300 & ESS
• Strong financial and computer literacy, particularly Excel
• Excellent administrative and time management skills
• High attention to detail and confidentiality
• Sound knowledge of South African labour law and BCEA
• Effective communication and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines under pressure

Nice to Have

• Experience using Jira ticketing systems
• Prior involvement in DocuVision or similar digital HR file projects
• Exposure to external payroll software vendors and integrations

What’s On Offer

• Join a dynamic and well-structured payroll function
• Hybrid working model with exposure to multi-entity operations
• Supportive environment focused on employee wellbeing and compliance
• Opportunity to contribute to large-scale process and system improvement initiatives

Company Culture

Our client fosters a collaborative, compliant, and employee-centric culture. With a strong focus on professional integrity, innovation, and operational efficiency, they offer a structured environment where accountability and teamwork are key.

If you have not been contacted within 10 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.