Payroll Specialist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonus

Subsidised meals

Wellness program

Staff discounts

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a meticulous Payroll Specialist to join the finance and HR team. You will manage weekly and monthly payroll, ensure timely processing, and handle statutory deductions with accuracy.

The ideal candidate has SA payroll legislation knowledge, experience with PAYE, UIF, SDL, and payroll software (VIP Payroll, Sage), and strong Excel skills. Retail or large corporate experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Payroll Management, Accounting, or related field.
• 3–5 years of payroll processing experience in SA.
• Proficient in VIP Payroll and Sage; strong Excel skills.
• Solid knowledge of SA payroll legislation and tax rules (PAYE, UIF, SDL).
• Retail or large corporate experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly and/or monthly payroll for all staff accurately.
• Calculate and remit PAYE, UIF, and SDL deductions.
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation and company policies.
• Reconcile payroll reports and bank statements; resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain payroll data: hires, terminations, changes, leave.
• Administer employee benefits (medical aid, retirement funds).
• Submit statutory returns to SARS and other bodies.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors on payroll matters.
• Stay updated on payroll regulations and best practices.
• Support employee payroll inquiries.

Skills

Payroll processing

Data accuracy

Attention to detail

Education

Payroll/Accounting qualification

Tools

VIP Payroll

Sage

MS Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable retail group, is seeking a meticulous and detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join their finance and HR department in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is crucial for ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees, managing statutory deductions, and maintaining compliance with payroll legislation. You will work closely with HR and finance teams to reconcile payroll data and resolve any discrepancies. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of payroll systems, tax regulations, and South African labour laws pertaining to remuneration. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled payroll professional to contribute to a well-established organization and further develop their expertise in payroll management. We are committed to maintaining a highly accurate and efficient payroll function.

Key Responsibilities

• Process weekly and/or monthly payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Calculate and process statutory deductions, including PAYE, UIF, and SDL.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant payroll legislation, tax laws, and company policies.
• Reconcile payroll reports and bank statements, investigating and resolving any discrepancies.
• Manage employee data related to payroll, including new hires, terminations, salary changes, and leave.
• Administer and process employee benefits, such as medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Prepare and submit statutory returns to SARS and other relevant bodies.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors on payroll-related matters.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll regulations and best practices.
• Provide support and respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll queries.

Requirements

• A relevant qualification in Payroll Management, Accounting, or related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in payroll processing, preferably within South Africa.
• Proficiency in payroll software (e.g., VIP Payroll, Sage) and MS Excel.
• Thorough understanding of South African payroll legislation, tax laws, and statutory requirements.
• Experience with PAYE, UIF, SDL, and other payroll-related calculations.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Experience in a retail or large corporate environment is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and performance bonuses. Employees in Paarl will enjoy working in a supportive and professional environment with opportunities for career advancement. Our client invests in employee development through training programs and a culture of continuous learning. Additional benefits include subsidized meals, employee wellness initiatives, and staff discounts on company products. This role provides an excellent opportunity to become an integral part of the finance team in a successful retail organization.