Payroll & Benefits Officer

Jhbchev; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in payroll management seeks a Payroll Specialist in Johannesburg to manage the full payroll function for a large staff complement. Responsibilities include processing payroll efficiently, managing employee benefits, maintaining accurate payroll records, and ensuring compliance with payroll laws and regulations. Ideal candidates will have at least 3 years of progressive payroll administration experience and proficiency in SAGE People Systems. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 3 years of progressive payroll administration experience within a large organization working with Sage People system.
• Solid understanding of payroll practices and best practices.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full payroll function for the organization.
• Process and maintain payroll for weekly and monthly staff.
• Ensure all employee benefits are managed and administered.

Skills

SAGE People payroll system

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Payroll tax laws knowledge

Education

Matric / Diploma in business management, Finance, HR, Accounting

Bachelor's degree in business management, Finance, HR, Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Time and Attendance systems

Job description

The incumbent of this position will assume responsibility and accountability for the full payroll and benefits function. This position is responsible for the accurate and timeous processing of monthly payrolls for a large staff complement in accordance with legislative requirements and company policy and procedure. Maintaining employee records and providing effective communications with all staff regarding payroll and benefits matters.

Role and Responsibilities

• Manage the full payroll function of all entities in the group
• Improve payroll policies and procedures where needed
• Manage payroll workload to meet operational requirements
• Ensure Payroll Operational Effectiveness
• Manage and administer all employee benefits

Payroll Administration

• Management and administration of end‑to‑end payroll for the organization (+ employees) for both monthly and weekly payrolls
• Management and maintenance of payroll system

Updating and maintaining payroll records

• Prepare and coordinate monthly payroll input from other divisions and collate required information within agreed time frames
• Manage workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timeously
• Processing new hires and terminations

Process changes to salaries as per contract changes

• Capture and verify all expense claims against the policy and report non‑compliance to the Line Managers
• Deal with tax codes and statutory payment calculations

Calculate payable hours, increases, bonuses, and deductions

• Own the overtime process, from our timesheet systems to getting line manager approval
• Preparation of all Maternity Leave and UIF forms and documentation as well as all the related calculations
• Action and process payroll administrative functions in relation to Workers Pension, provident fund, medical aid, and garnishee orders
• Drafting of certificates of service and confirmation of employment as requested
• Ensure all employees have access to payslips
• Manage the IRP5 process and doing all necessary checks
• Provide payroll admin support to the finance department
• Ensure accurate calculations of rate of pay change
• Ensure all relevant deductions are submitted and processed
• Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate confirmed reports
• SARS submissions monthly and bi‑annually via E‑filing
• Submit UIF declarations monthly
• Preparation and submission of Return of Earnings yearly
• Process Tax mid‑year and TYE via E@syfile and resubmission of IRP5 when required
• Assist 3 rd Party with Employment Equity and Workplace Skills Plan reporting and information for submissions
• Report monthly to Alex Forbes regarding provident fund
• Manage temporary / permanent disability claims and processes for staff
• Manage provident fund withdrawals
• Manage death and funeral claims
• Payroll Reporting: Accurately capture and maintain payroll data on the Sage People system, prepare, review and update payroll data to include business required reports, process accurate and timely year‑end reporting when necessary, develop ad hoc financial and operational reporting as needed
• Update internal payroll databases: Updating and maintain trackers – leave reports, maternity leave tracker and the termination tracker
• Ensure year‑end reports are finalized for auditors
• Assist auditors with payroll related queries and documentation

Query Management

• Ensure all pay related queries are dealt with promptly and feedback is given within 48 hours
• Correctly respond to questions about payroll policy and procedures
• Interpret, assist and advise employees regarding application of leave policy, benefit administration and HR procedures and policies within the specified guidelines; provide customer service to employees in the area of pay, benefits and taxes as they relate to their pay
• Respond to queries related to changes in the employee's payroll records

General

• General filing both hard and soft copy filing
• Providing adhoc administrative support and assistance within the HR team

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• 3 years of progressive payroll administration experience within a large organization working with Sage people system

Proven experience as payroll specialist

• Solid understanding of accounting fundamentals, payroll practices and best practices
• Solid understanding of payroll and payroll tax laws
• Very good knowledge of legislation and regulations of the field
• Good knowledge, understanding and application of the BCEA and other relevant labour legislation

Mandatory Qualifications

• Matric / Diploma in business management, Finance, HR, Accounting or other relevant area

Desirable Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business management, Finance, HR, Accounting or other relevant area

Preferred Skills

• Proficient in SAGE People payroll system and ESS
• Experience with Time and Attendance systems (Jarrison Time preferable)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Proven experience with HR and Payroll software
• Knowledge, understanding and application of labour legislation
• Sound knowledge and understanding of payroll policies and procedures
• Complete knowledge of payroll processes and record keeping
• Strong organisation and administrative skills.

Task and deadline orientated.

• Ability to perform tasks meticulously with a fine attention to detail (accuracy is key)
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with all levels of employees
• Ability to manage your own time and to prioritise tasks
• Good communication skills at all levels through organisation
• Effective problem identifying and solving skills

Insight

• Discernment
• Team player
• Integrity
• Build trust
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Able to impart expert advice

Takes pride in the quality of work they deliver

By submitting your CV you are consenting to the Chev retaining and processing your personal information in line with our Privacy Policy.