Payroll Officer

RecruitMyMom; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment specialist is seeking a detail-oriented Weekly Payroll Officer in South Africa to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for a dynamic finance team. The role requires a minimum of 5 years of payroll experience, advanced skills in Excel, and familiarity with SAGE People 300. The successful candidate will work in a high-pressure environment, managing payroll deadlines while maintaining rigorous compliance and detailed personnel records. A tertiary qualification is advantageous.

Benefits

Strict application screening

Psychometric testing for applicants

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a payroll or wage clerk.
• 3 years' experience processing wages on SAGE People 300 or similar.
• 4 years' experience with UKG clocking system preferably in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll for employees and contractors.
• Maintain payroll and time attendance system integrity.
• Ensure accurate deductions and record-keeping.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Strong communication skills

Advanced Excel skills

Ability to work under pressure

Meticulous and methodical

Education

Matric

Tertiary qualification

HR or Payroll qualification

Tools

SAGE People 300

UKG clocking system

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and deadline-driven Weekly Payroll Officer to join a dynamic finance and payroll team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll, as well as supporting monthly and statutory payroll requirements. This role requires someone who is hands‑on, methodical, and able to work under pressure while meeting strict weekly and monthly deadlines. This is a full‑time in‑office position working Monday to Friday 08:00 – 17:00.

This role reports to the Payroll Specialist.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the integrity of the time and attendance system (UKG) and the payroll system (Sage People 300)
• Load, update, and maintain employee and contractor information on payroll and clocking systems
• Export, import, and process weekly payroll for permanent employees and contractors
• Ensure all employee deductions are accurately recorded and processed
• Compile weekly payroll data and reconcile monthly payroll information
• Prepare monthly schedules for third‑party payments and reconcile the Staff Loan Account
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of payroll data to the Finance Department
• Liaise with statutory bodies, funds, and third parties (e.g. Provident Fund, medical aid administrators, UIF)
• Capture salary increases, service increments, and payroll adjustments
• Prepare and process annual bonuses and incentive payments, including Christmas vouchers
• Administer UIF and Provident Fund documentation
• Manage leave administration and ensure accurate leave balances
• Process employee terminations and final payroll calculations
• Reconcile tax year‑end payroll submissions
• Ensure all payroll filing is complete, accurate, and up to date
• Maintain organised and compliant personnel records
• Support ad‑hoc payroll and finance projects as required
• Ensure strict adherence to weekly and monthly payroll deadlines

Requirements

• Matric (minimum requirement) and Tertiary qualification beneficial
• Fluent in Afrikaans and English
• Ability to hit the road running with minimal training
• Advanced Excel skills (essential)
• At least 5 years' experience working as a payroll or wage clerk
• Minimum 3 years' experience processing weekly wages on SAGE People 300 or a similar payroll system
• Minimum 4 years' experience working with a clocking system (UKG advantageous)
• Minimum 4 years' experience in a manufacturing environment (preferred)
• HR or Payroll qualification (advantageous)
• Sound knowledge and experience with MEIBC and Main Agreement (advantageous)
• Fully computer literate (MS Office essential)

Behavioural Competencies

• Highly meticulous, methodical, and detail-oriented
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels
• Able to work in a high‑pressure environment with strict deadlines
• Uses initiative and works effectively with minimal supervision
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others under pressure

Benefits

• Strict screening of applications apply
• Pre‑interview recruitment assessments will be done on all applicants
• Only short‑listed applicants will be interviewed and undergo psychometric testing to ensure the right fit