Senior Payroll Officer

Believe Resourcing; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading player in the media & entertainment sector is seeking a Payroll Supervisor. The successful candidate will manage payroll operations, ensuring compliance with South African legislation and fostering team development. Candidates should have a diploma in Payroll/HR/Finance and experience in payroll and finance operations. Proficiency in Sage People is essential.

Benefits

50% medical aid contribution

6% pension fund contribution

Group life cover

Funeral plan

Income protection/security cover

Qualifications

• 3+ years operational payroll/finance experience.
• 2+ years supervisory experience.
• Solid knowledge of South African payroll legislation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day payroll operations.
• Ensure compliance with SARS and other legislation.
• Prepare payroll reports for management.

Skills

Proficiency in Sage People

Strong Microsoft Excel skills

Strong organisational skills

Excellent communication abilities

Education

Diploma in Payroll/HR/Finance

Degree (preferred)

Tools

Sage Evolution

Job description

Salary & Benefits

Basic salary : R

• – R
• per month

50% medical aid contribution (up to a maximum of R

6% pension fund contribution

Group life cover

Funeral plan

Income protection / security cover

Purpose of the Role

We're searching for a skilled Payroll Supervisor to oversee and manage accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll operations for our client – a leading player in the media & entertainment sector.

This role goes beyond payroll processing : you'll be the key link between Finance, HR, and leadership teams, driving payroll excellence, compliance, and system optimisation.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Administration

Supervise and coordinate day‑to‑day payroll operations to ensure accurate and timely processing of salaries, wages, and benefits.

Capture, verify, and maintain employee payroll data (new hires, terminations, transfers, salary adjustments, allowances).

Process monthly payroll runs and reconcile payroll data.

Administer statutory deductions (PAYE, UIF, SDL) and third‑party payments (medical aid, pension / provident funds, garnishees).

Maintain payroll records and employee files in compliance with company policy.

Compliance & Statutory Requirements

Ensure compliance with SARS, UIF, PAYE, SDL, BCEA, and other relevant legislation.

Prepare and submit accurate statutory reports to SARS.

Complete submissions for terminated employees, maternity leave, and other labour requirements.

Reconcile internal payroll records against external reports and remain current with all payroll and labour legislation.

Reporting & Financial Support

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports for management, HR, and Finance.

Process month‑end journal entries to Sage Evolution and complete general ledger administration.

Provide accurate data for budget planning, forecasting, and cost analysis related to payroll.

Audit, Controls & Process Improvement

Maintain and update payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Support internal and external audits by preparing required documentation.

Drive payroll process improvements, automation initiatives, and system upgrades.

Stakeholder Support

Handle payroll queries and discrepancies professionally and timeously.

Liaise with external stakeholders including auditors, tax authorities, and benefit providers.

Support HR with onboarding and off‑boarding processes from a payroll perspective.

People Management & Team Development

Supervise, mentor, and develop payroll staff to enhance accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.

Allocate tasks, monitor performance, and provide training where necessary.

Minimum Requirements

Diploma in Payroll / HR / Finance (essential); Degree preferred.

3+ years operational payroll / finance experience (essential).

2+ years supervisory experience (essential).

Proficiency in Sage People (intermediate) and Sage Evolution (basic).

Strong Microsoft Excel skills.

Solid knowledge of South African payroll legislation.

Accuracy, attention to detail, and strong organisational skills.

Excellent communication and leadership abilities.