Senior Payroll Specialist — High-Volume SA Compliance

PTY; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd in Cape Town is seeking a Payroll Administrator to manage end-to-end payroll for a high-volume operation. You will ensure accurate processing, compliance with SA legislation, and timely delivery of payroll data for wage earners and salaried staff.

The ideal candidate has 5–8 years of payroll experience, proficiency with Sage 300 People, strong Excel skills, and a proven ability to maintain audit-ready records in a deadline-driven environment.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years’ payroll administration experience in a high-volume environment.
• Proven full end-to-end payroll processing experience.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience on Sage 300 People.
• Exposure to timekeeping systems is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Execute full end-to-end payroll processing for approximately 700 wage earners and 100 salaried staff.
• Accurately capture, reconcile, and validate payroll data to minimize financial risk.
• Process new hires, employee changes (banking details, annual increases), and terminations including final pay and leave encashment.
• Process all payroll elements including earnings, deductions, company contributions, fringe benefits, and leave transactions.
• Maintain complete, audit-ready payroll records and file monthly salary inputs.
• Compile and submit payroll reports per checklist to the Payroll Team Leader.
• Ensure compliance with PAYE, UIF, SDL, BCEA, and all applicable South African statutory requirements.
• Complete and submit statutory documentation including UIF (UI-19), certificates of service, provident fund claims, and maternity documentation.
• Support internal and external audit processes through effective record management.
• Provide accurate monthly payroll check reports to employees and line managers.
• Respond professionally and timeously to payroll queries, escalating matters where required.
• Advise employees on payroll-related policies and procedures.
• Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and operational sites to ensure seamless payroll processing and timekeeping system integration (e.g., PRP).
• Identify payroll inefficiencies or compliance risks and recommend process improvements.
• Share knowledge and lessons learned to improve team accuracy and consistency.
• Proactively upskill in payroll systems, legislation, and reporting requirements.

Skills

End-to-end payroll processing

Advanced Excel

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

Time management

Education

Payroll certification or Diploma

Tools

Sage 300 People

Timekeeping systems

Job description

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd in Cape Town is seeking a Payroll Administrator to manage end-to-end payroll for a high-volume operation. You will ensure accurate processing, compliance with SA legislation, and timely delivery of payroll data for wage earners and salaried staff.

The ideal candidate has 5–8 years of payroll experience, proficiency with Sage 300 People, strong Excel skills, and a proven ability to maintain audit-ready records in a deadline-driven environment.