Payroll Officer

First Quantum Minerals Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A global mining company is seeking a Payroll Officer to ensure efficient payroll operations while maintaining compliance with Zambian and South African laws. The role involves processing payroll data accurately, managing employee records, and addressing payroll queries. Ideal candidates should have at least 5 years of payroll administration experience and proficiency in Sage 300 Payroll software. This position offers a dynamic environment with competitive compensation.

Benefits

Highly competitive base compensation

Discretionary bonuses

Long-term share plan

Performance over presence culture

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in payroll administration.
• Experience with expat payroll administration is advantageous.
• Fluency in English is required.

Responsibilities

• Collect, process, and verify payroll data for timely payments.
• Maintain and update employee information in the payroll system.
• Ensure compliance with Zambian and South African payroll legislation.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Strong analytical skills

High level of accuracy and attention to detail

Time management and ability to meet deadlines

Service-oriented mindset

Education

Payroll Administration Diploma

Tools

Sage 300 Payroll software

Job description

time left to apply End Date: September 14, 2025 (29 days left to apply)

job requisition id JR14748

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Company Description

First Quantum Minerals is a leading Canadian-based global mining & metals company focused on the production of copper, nickel, gold & cobalt. As a company, we strive for continuous excellence and after 25 years of operations we are now one of the world’s top 10 copper producers, exporting millions of tonnes of concentrate from multiple countries to customers worldwide. Our operations and future developments span across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and the Americas, and we are globally recognised for our specialist technical, engineering, construction and operational skills, which allow us to unlock value from complex mineral projects and deliver rewarding careers for our people, returns for our shareholders and sustainable development for the many local communities that host our operations. As we expand our operations, continue to provide metals to build the modern world and shift to a low carbon, greener economy in the years ahead, our mining projects will continue to require the best and the brightest talent to help us solve the emerging challenges of our time, shape our business and unlock opportunities for our future.

Job Description

Although our production and financial results are the engine that drives our business, it is the depth of capability in our people that will continue to determine First Quantum’s ongoing success. Reporting to the Payroll Lead in the Finance department, the Payroll Officer will be responsible for ensuring that payroll operations run smoothly and efficiently. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring all employees are paid accurately and on time, while maintaining compliance with Zambian and South African payroll laws and regulations. They should furthermore ensure that employee records are maintained and updated, answer payroll queries, prepare detailed reports when required by management and collaborate with HR to ensure alignment with HR policies and that employee details are accurately reflected in payroll.

Key Responsibilities:

The Payroll Officer’s general accountabilities include, but are not limited to, the below:

Payroll Administration:

Collect, process and verify payroll data (e.g., allowances, overtime, bonuses, etc.).

Prepare and issue payslips to employees in a timely manner.

Ensure accurate and timely payment of employees' salaries.

Statutory Payroll Functions:

Compliance and submissions

Employee Information Maintenance:

Maintain and update accurate employee information in the payroll system (e.g., new hires, terminations, changes to salary, bank details, personal information, etc.).

Ensure all employee records are compliant with relevant labour laws and are securely stored and easily accessible.

Collaborate with HR to ensure all employee data is aligned with HR policies and accurately reflected in payroll processing.

Compliance and Reporting:

Ensure compliance with Zambian and South African payroll legislation, including but not limited to PAYE, NAPSA, NHIMA, and other relevant statutory obligations.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes to payroll-related laws and regulations.

Generate payroll reports as required by management for decision-making, tax purposes, and audits.

Address and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely manner.

Record Keeping and Administration:

Maintain accurate and organized records of all payroll-related activities.

Ensure confidentiality of all employee payroll and personal information.

Handle payroll-related queries from employees and other departments (e.g., HR, finance).

Ad hoc Payroll Duties:

Assist with any other payroll-related tasks or projects as needed.

Perform audits on payroll data and resolve discrepancies or issues as they arise.

Qualifications:

Payroll Administration Diploma (advantageous)

Experience & Technical Skills Required:

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in payroll administration

Sage 300 Payroll software

Expat payroll administration (advantageous)

Strong written and verbal communication skills to handle employee queries and collaborate with various departments

Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify and resolve issues effectively

Behavioural Requirements:

High level of accuracy and attention to detail in processing payroll data.

Ability to work efficiently and meet tight deadlines, especially during monthly submissions and year-end processes.

Able to take initiative and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee payroll data.

Ability to collaborate with colleagues and contribute positively to the team environment.

Sense of urgency and adherence to deadlines

Creative and Dynamic

A positive attitude with a passion for people is essential

Must be service oriented always

Other Requirements:

Candidates must have the right to work in the applicable region without visa sponsorship

Mobile. Willingness to work and travel across FQM’s operations and locations worldwide

Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in other languages highly regarded

Additional Information

A dynamic, challenging and extraordinary working environment where safety is a number one priority

Opportunity to develop within a growing company that is currently one of the world's top 10 copper producers

Highly competitive base compensation & financial incentives (discretionary bonuses & Long-term share plan)

Leave options aligned with local market best practice

Performance over presence culture & flexible working environment as per business requirements

Diversity & Inclusion

At FQM, while at the beginning of our D&I journey, we are committed to embedding the principles of diversity and inclusion into our culture, company and practices with the aim of ensuring an environment of equity irrespective of race, gender age, religion, identity or experience.

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If you are already a First Quantum employee and have access to the First Quantum network, log into First Quantum MINE > Careers to apply internally for this opportunity.

If you are an employee without network access, contact your Site Recruiter.

About Us

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. is a global mining company producing copper and nickel, as well as gold and cobalt. Our growing portfolio of operations and projects spans four continents and employs around 20,000 people.

We are well-known for our ‘can do’ attitude and specialist technical, project management, engineering, construction and operational skills, which allow us to develop and successfully run complex mines and minerals processing plants.

We strive to go beyond the goals set by other companies. After 25 years of operations we are now one of the world’s top 10 copper producers and we focus on providing a tangible benefit from everything we do for employees, investors and the many communities that host our operations.

From our initial operation reprocessing tailings facilities in Zambia, to the recently completed giant Cobre Panama operation, we have recorded many significant commercial and technical achievements over the past two decades. By 2021, the combined output of our mines will be more than 800,000 tonnes of copper per year.