Payroll And Hr Officer

Red Ember Recruitment (Pty) Ltd; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Gauteng is seeking a Payroll and HR Officer to oversee payroll functions and HR processes. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in payroll compliance, strong analytical and communication skills, and a proactive approach to HR management. Responsibilities include full payroll administration, recruitment support, compliance with labor laws, and maintaining accurate employee records. This role requires a strategic thinker with in-depth knowledge of South African tax legislation and payroll systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–10 years' experience in a payroll-heavy HR role.
• In-depth knowledge of South African tax rules and payroll legislation.
• Strong skills in Excel and data automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full payroll function ensuring compliance with statutory bodies.
• Assist in recruitment administration and onboarding processes.
• Support HR policies and manage Employment Equity data.

Skills

Compliance

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication

Data automation

Education

Matric + relevant HR / Payroll qualification

Tools

Sage Premier VIP

Excel

Job description

Job DescriptionRed Ember is seeking to hire a Payroll and HR Officer based in Boksburg.Payroll & Benefits AdministrationLead 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 SupportAssist 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 DevelopmentSupport performance and skills development functions including but not limited to : Recording performance review outcomes on an increase tracking sheetSupporting accurate recording of training costs and reporting for Workplace Skills Plans (WSP).Implementation & support on skills module on VIP.HR Policies & Labour RelationsAssist 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 & ComplianceManage 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 SupportProvide 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 benefitsRequirementsMatric + relevant HR / Payroll qualification.Minimum 5–10 years' experience in a payroll-heavy HR role, with a strong compliance and reporting focus.Advanced Sage Premier VIP experience (super-user level).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.