Payroll Specialist

Fullserve Services Pty LTD; Alberton; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A payroll services company in South Africa is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage accurate payroll processing in compliance with labor laws and bargaining council agreements. The ideal candidate will possess a diploma in Payroll Management or related fields, along with 3–5 years of payroll experience, preferably in the security and engineering sectors. Strong analytical and advanced Excel skills are essential for success in this role. The position requires high attention to detail and effective communication skills.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years payroll experience in South Africa, ideally in security and engineering sectors.
• Strong understanding of payroll legislation and statutory compliance.
• Advanced Excel and strong financial modeling skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate processing of payroll in compliance with South African Labour laws.
• Process timely payroll for all employees while adhering to bargaining agreements.
• Administer statutory deductions and ensure compliance with tax regulations.

Skills

Accuracy and attention to detail

Ability to interpret collective agreements

Advanced payroll software proficiency

Strong analytical skills

Interpersonal skills for communication

Education

Diploma/Degree in Payroll Management, HR, Finance, or Accounting

Tools

Sage VIP

Pastel Payroll

HRIS systems

Job description

The Payroll Specialist ensures accurate, compliant processing of payroll in accordance with South African Labour law, relevant Bargaining Council collective agreements — specifically the National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector (NBCPSS) and the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industry (NBCEI) — as well as statutory requirements (SARS, UIF, COIDA) and internal policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Compensation Management & Financial Analysis
  • Ensure accurate, compliant processing of payroll in accordance with South African labour law, relevant Bargaining Council collective agreements — specifically the NBCPSS and NBCEI — as well as statutory requirements (SARS, UIF, COIDA) and internal policies.
• Payroll Processing & Compliance
  • Process accurate and timely payroll for all employees, including security officers, engineers, artisans, and contract personnel.
  • Ensure adherence to Bargaining Council Collective Agreements: NBCPSS minimum wage thresholds, allowances, overtime, leave pay, and deductions; NBCEI wage and benefit tables, collective bargaining levy, pension/provident funds, sick benefit funds and designation codes.
  • Apply appropriate sector-specific remuneration rules, including shift differentials, standby allowances, and statutory benefit contributions.
• Statutory & Bargaining Council Compliance
  • Administer statutory deductions and filings: PAYE, UIF, SDL, COIDA, and relevant SARS submissions (EMP201, EMP501).
  • Maintain compliance with Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and relevant sector determinations where applicable.
  • Ensure participation and compliance with Bargaining Council requirements for registered employers, including collective bargaining levies, dispute resolution procedures, and reporting obligations.
  • Ensure adherence to labour laws, tax regulations, and statutory requirements (PAYE, UIF, SDL).
• Data Maintenance & Systems
  • Maintain comprehensive and secure payroll records, including employee classifications aligned to Bargaining Council designations.
  • Administer employee master data in payroll systems and integrate with time & attendance platforms.
  • Prepare monthly payroll journals and ensure accurate GL reconciliations.
• Reporting, Reconciliation & Audits
  • Produce detailed management reports by project, division, or contract.
  • Reconcile payroll outputs with financial records, including Bargaining Council contributions and levies.
  • Support internal and external audit activities with documentation demonstrating compliance to collective agreements and statutory mandates.
• Employee & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Respond professionally to payroll enquiries from employees and management.
  • Advise on Bargaining Council minimum standards and payroll implications resulting from changes to NBCPSS/NBCEI agreement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma/Degree in Payroll Management, HR, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 3–5 years payroll experience in South Africa, ideally with exposure to security and engineering sectors.
• Strong understanding of Bargaining Council collective agreements, especially NBCPSS and NBCEI provisions.
• Strong understanding of cost-to-company structures, payroll principles, and tax laws.
• Comprehensive knowledge of South African payroll legislation and statutory compliance.
• Advanced Excel and strong financial modelling skills.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional accuracy, attention to detail and data integrity.
• Ability to interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements correctly.
• Advanced payroll software proficiency (e.g., Sage VIP, Pastel Payroll, VIP, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with employees and compliance bodies.
• Strong analytical and financial interpretation skills.
• High attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• Sound understanding of remuneration structures and statutory requirements.
• Excellent communication and professional stakeholder management.
• Confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, HRIS systems, and payroll platforms.