Payroll and HR Officer

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd; Boksburg; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic Recruitment agency in Boksburg is looking for a Payroll and HR Officer to manage payroll functions and HR processes. The ideal candidate will lead payroll operations, ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and support recruitment and training functions. With a strong focus on system efficiencies and automation, this role is suited for a proactive individual with significant HR experience and in-depth knowledge of South African payroll legislation.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years' experience in payroll-focused HR role.
• Experience with Motor Industry Bargaining Council.
• Solid understanding of payroll reconciliation and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead full payroll function with SAGE Premier VIP.
• Oversee benefits administration and audit readiness.
• Support recruitment with payroll data alignment.

Skills

Compliance

Attention to Detail

Analytical Thinking

Excel

Data Automation

Confidentiality

Interpersonal Skills

Education

In-depth knowledge of South African tax rules

Experience with MIBCO

Job description

Red Ember is seeking to hire a Payroll and HR Officer based in Boksburg.

Payroll & Benefits Administration

• Lead the full payroll function with a strategic and analytical approach using SAGE Premier VIP as a super-user.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately, timeously and in compliance with all statutory bodies including SARS, Department of Labour, and the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO).
• Apply advanced tax calculation knowledge, including tax rules for perks tax, retirement benefits, travel allowances, and back pay.
• Reconcile and analyse payroll-related reports such as costing, general ledger entries (GLs), leave balances, third-party submissions, and ensure alignment with financial systems.
• Oversee benefits administration including medical aid, provident fund, garnishees, AHP / SAF, and ensure timely and accurate third-party reconciliation and payments.
• Evaluate service providers and brokers regularly to ensure optimum value for money and benefit offering to employees.
• Administer ESS, time & attendance systems, and manage associated calculations such as short time, leave trends, and anomalies.
• Ensure effective year-end tax submissions and alignment with SARS compliance requirements.
• Take a forward-thinking approach by identifying automation and smart process improvements in payroll operations, including integration between systems and Excel.
• Maintain accurate system backups, version updates, and support business continuity and audit readiness.
• Support month-end reporting including BIM, costing, and audit packs in collaboration with finance.

Recruitment Support

• Assist in recruitment administration with a specific focus on tasks that interlink with payroll, such as :
• Validating salary benchmarks and packages against internal pay scales and parity.
• Drafting job offers aligned to internal grading and benefits structures.
• Preparing onboarding packs that ensure correct employee data for payroll processing.
• Capturing new employee data and updating payroll system records (VIP).
• Ensuring compliance with EE targets during recruitment tracking.

Performance, Training & Skills Development

• Support performance and skills development functions including but not limited to :
• Recording performance review outcomes on an increase tracking sheet
• Supporting accurate recording of training costs and reporting for Workplace Skills Plans (WSP).
• Implementation & support on skills module on VIP.

HR Policies & Labour Relations

• Assist in labour relations processes by preparing payroll-related documentation for hearings (e.g. time & attendance reports, earnings data).
• Support HR by representing the company in disciplinary hearings when needed.
• Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of HR policies, particularly where policies affect earnings, leave, time management, and benefits.
• Ensure payroll and benefit-related practices are consistent with internal policies and current labour legislation.

Employment Equity & Compliance

• Manage and maintain Employment Equity data within VIP and Excel to support annual reporting.
• Assist with the submission of EE & COIDA reports to the Department of Labour and RMA.
• Ensure employee data aligns with EE planning, WSP submissions, and payroll records.

General HR Support

• Provide ongoing HR system and policy advisory support to management and staff.
• Maintain updated and compliant employee files and records.
• Participate in internal audits and contribute to payroll-related compliance reviews.
• Assist in staff file audits and recommend system or process improvements.
• Foster a collaborative HR service culture, working across departments to deliver smart, efficient HR / payroll practices, and wellness related benefits

Requirements

• Minimum 5–10 years’ experience in a payroll-heavy HR role, with a strong compliance and reporting focus.
• In-depth knowledge of South African tax rules, perks tax, fringe benefits, and payroll legislation.
• Experience working with or in the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO).
• Working knowledge of MERSETA processes and requirements, including the management of MOAs / tranche payments.
• Solid understanding of payroll reconciliation, cost centre reporting, and integration with finance systems.
• Proven ability to work with and analyse payroll data.
• Strong skills in Excel, data automation, and system-driven efficiencies.
• Experience supporting recruitment, performance, and training processes with payroll data.
• High level of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking.
• Proactive, solution-oriented, and deadline-driven.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to think critically and introduce smart, automated approaches to improve efficiency.
• Resilient under pressure and capable of managing competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently.

Requirements

• Minimum 5–10 years’ experience in a payroll-heavy HR role, with a strong compliance and reporting focus.
• In-depth knowledge of South African tax rules, perks tax, fringe benefits, and payroll legislation.