Payroll & Benefits Officer

Red Ember Recruitment; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 201,000 - 290,000; Part time

Job summary

Red Ember Recruitment seeks a Part-Time Payroll Officer for an established accounting firm in Benoni, Gauteng. The role blends on-site payroll duties with a flexible hybrid approach and requires an independent professional who can handle confidential information and adhere to SA payroll rules.

You will process monthly payroll, manage deductions, prepare payslips and handle EMP201/EMP501 and IRP5 submissions, while ensuring BCEA compliance.

Qualifications

• Matric certificate.
• Relevant payroll, bookkeeping or accounting qualification advantageous.
• Minimum of 3 years' payroll processing experience.
• Strong knowledge of PAYE, UIF, SDL, EMP201, EMP501 and IRP5 processes.
• Experience with SARS eFiling and EasyFile Employer.
• Proficiency in Sage Payroll, Sage Pastel Payroll, PaySpace or similar payroll software.
• Good Excel skills, including reconciliations and payroll reporting.
• Experience with QuickBooks and professional services environments advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Process monthly payroll accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Maintain employee payroll records, remuneration details, benefits and deductions.
• Manage appointments, resignations, terminations, salary amendments and leave adjustments.
• Calculate and process PAYE, UIF, SDL and other authorised deductions.
• Prepare and distribute payslips, payroll summaries and salary payment schedules.
• Prepare and reconcile EMP201 declarations and assist with EMP501 reconciliations and IRP5 submissions.
• Manage UIF administration, including UI-19 documentation where required.
• Maintain employee leave records and ensure BCEA compliance.
• Prepare payroll journals and reconcile payroll-related control accounts.
• Assist with payroll reporting, statutory submissions and audit preparation.
• Ensure compliance with PAYE, UIF, SDL, COIDA and POPIA requirements.
• Respond to payroll-related queries and maintain accurate electronic records.

Skills

Payroll processing

SARS eFiling

Excel

Payroll software

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Education

Matric certificate

Relevant payroll/bookkeeping/accounting qualification advantageous

Tools

Sage Payroll

Sage Pastel Payroll

PaySpace

Sage 300/Accpac

QuickBooks

Job description

An established professional accounting firm based in Benoni, East Rand, is seeking an experienced, reliable and detail‑oriented Part‑Time Payroll Officer to manage payroll accurately and ensure compliance with all statutory requirements.

This role offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement, with office attendance required as needed for payroll processing, meetings, reconciliations and administration. The successful candidate must be able to work independently, maintain strict confidentiality and have a sound understanding of South African payroll legislation.

Key Responsibilities

• Process monthly payroll accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Maintain employee payroll records, remuneration details, benefits and deductions.
• Manage employee appointments, resignations, terminations, salary amendments and leave‑related payroll adjustments.
• Calculate and process PAYE, UIF, SDL and other authorised deductions.
• Prepare and distribute payslips, payroll summaries and salary payment schedules.
• Prepare and reconcile EMP201 declarations and assist with EMP501 reconciliations and IRP5 submissions.
• Manage UIF administration, including UI‑19 documentation where required.
• Maintain employee leave records and ensure compliance with BCEA requirements.
• Prepare payroll journals and reconcile payroll‑related control accounts.
• Assist with payroll reporting, statutory submissions and audit preparation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable payroll legislation, including PAYE, UIF, SDL, COIDA and POPIA requirements.
• Respond to payroll‑related queries and maintain accurate electronic records.

Requirements

• Matric certificate.
• Relevant payroll, bookkeeping or accounting qualification advantageous.
• Minimum of 3 years' payroll processing experience with the ability to manage payroll independently.
• Strong knowledge of PAYE, UIF, SDL, EMP201, EMP501 and IRP5 processes.
• Experience with SARS eFiling and EasyFile Employer.
• Proficiency in Sage Payroll, Sage Pastel Payroll, PaySpace or similar payroll software.
• Good Excel skills, including reconciliations and payroll reporting.
• Experience with QuickBooks and professional services environments will be advantageous.

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent reconciliation and numerical skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving abilities.
• Professional communication skills.
• High levels of integrity, discretion and confidentiality.

Working Arrangement

• Part‑time hybrid position.
• Remote work permitted subject to operational requirements and confidentiality policies.
• Office attendance in Benoni required when necessary for payroll processing, meetings, document verification and administration.
• Availability required during payroll cycles, month‑end processes and statutory submission deadlines.

Where You'll Make an Impact

You will be responsible for updating and processing payroll accurately and on schedule, strictly adhering to company policies and statutory laws. Your role will involve processing payments to employees and third parties, preparing and submitting reconciliations promptly, and completing manual journal entries when necessary. You will also assist in fulfilling monthly and annual reporting requirements, ensuring compliance and timeliness. Providing professional, friendly service to internal and external customers is key, along with sharing current trends and practices to help improve payroll operations. You will identify and resolve problems efficiently, maintaining a focus on continuous improvement, and work both independently and as part of a team to uphold high standards of quality and accuracy.

What You'll Need

To succeed in this role, you should have a minimum of five years experience in payroll processing, with strong skills in reconciliations, journal entries, and preparing annual reports. Problem‑solving abilities and a good understanding of payments and statutory requirements are essential. A professional approach and a commitment to delivering exceptional service are critical to thrive in this environment.

Nice to Have

Experience with payroll software and systems (Sage 300 or Accpac).

What We Offer

This is a full‑time, on‑site position located in Gauteng, offering stability and the opportunity for career growth within a supportive team environment. Salary details are competitive and negotiable based on experience.

Equity and Diversity

We recognize the need to foster an environment of inclusion, embracing diverse perspectives, and encouraging teamwork. We are an equal opportunity employer: qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, disability status, protected veteran status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.