Purpose of the Role
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
1. Compensation Management & Financial Analysis
- 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.
2. 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 Main Collective Agreement minimum wage thresholds, allowances, overtime, leave pay, and deductions for the private security sector.
- NBCEI wage and benefit tables, collective bargaining levy (CBL), pension/provident funds, sick benefit funds and designation codes as required under NBCEI provisions.
- Apply appropriate sector-specific remuneration rules, including shift differentials, standby allowances, and statutory benefit contributions.
3. 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 (e.g., security sector minimum conditions via NBCPSS).
- Ensure participation and compliance with Bargaining Council requirements for registered employers (e.g., collective bargaining levies, dispute resolution procedures, and reporting obligations).
- Ensure adherence to labour laws, tax regulations, and statutory requirements (PAYE, UIF, SDL).
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.