Wage Administrator

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd; Germiston; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency in Germiston is seeking an experienced Wage Administrator to manage payroll administration. The role involves ensuring the accurate and timely payment of employees while complying with legal requirements. Key responsibilities include processing payroll updates, submitting reports, and maintaining confidentiality in employee files. The ideal candidate will possess relevant qualifications and at least 3 years of payroll administration experience. This position is critical for maintaining payroll accuracy and supporting finance teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience at Payroll Administration level.
• Practical experience with Payroll MIS in a customer-oriented service environment.
• Valid South African driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Capture and process new appointments, promotions, demotions, and terminations timeously.
• Manage and maintain payroll and employee-related data.
• Prepare and submit payroll reports to Finance and relevant departments.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in MS Excel

Strong numerical aptitude

Ability to prioritize and multitask effectively

Leadership and team management

Strong oral communication

Education

Payroll Certificate or equivalent payroll-related qualification

Matric (Senior Certificate)

Relevant Sage certifications

Tools

Sage 300

Microsoft D365 modules

CRS

Job description

Job Description

Red Ember is seeking a Wage Administrator, based in Germiston, Gauteng, to join our client’s team.

The Wage Administrator will be responsible for ensuring accuracy across all wage-related activities by performing the full administrative function of the wage payroll. This includes ensuring the accurate and timely payment of all employees in compliance with defined service level agreements as well as legislative and statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Capture and process new appointments, promotions, demotions, and terminations timeously and accurately
• Manage, maintain, and update payroll and employee‑related data
• Handle all employee payroll, biographical, and pay‑related queries
• Ensure payroll and Time & Attendance tasks are completed within agreed timelines
• Prepare and submit payroll reports and payroll sheets to Finance and relevant departments
• Produce monthly wage cost reports for P&L forecast and finance meetings
• Report wage discrepancies identified on dummy payslips to management
• Issue UI19 forms and certificates of service to terminated employees after final payment
• Submit Provident Fund withdrawal applications to NBC for terminated employees
• Conduct employment confirmations with external parties
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date employee files and ensure confidentiality of payroll information
• Ensure payroll processing complies with company policies, procedures, and relevant legislation
• Provide financial interpretation relating to employee benefits, leave, time management, and remuneration
• Support management with payroll‑related tasks, reports, and ad hoc queries

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accurate and on‑time submission of payroll reports and wage sheets
• Timely completion of payroll changes (appointments, promotions, terminations, etc.)
• Successful delivery of monthly wage cost reports for forecasting and P&L meetings
• Compliance with payroll legislation, company policies, and audit requirements
• Resolution of payroll and employee queries within agreed turnaround times
• Accuracy of payroll data and minimal payroll discrepancies
• Maintenance of complete, confidential, and up‑to‑date employee files
• Effective communication and support provided to management and finance teams

Requirements

Education & Qualifications

• Matric (Senior Certificate)
• Payroll Certificate or equivalent payroll‑related qualification
• Relevant Sage certifications

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience at Payroll Administration level
• Practical experience with Payroll MIS in a customer‑oriented service environment

Compulsory System Knowledge

• Sage 300
• Microsoft D365 modules
• CRS

Technical & IT Skills

• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel
• Advanced proficiency in MS Word
• Advanced proficiency in MS Outlook
• Strong numerical aptitude and high attention to detail
• Continuous self‑development mindset
• Advanced computer literacy (MS Office, specifically Excel and Word)

Competencies

• Ability to prioritize and multitask effectively
• Strong problem analysis and reasoning skills
• High levels of integrity, confidentiality, and trust
• Stress tolerance and ability to work under pressure
• Innovative and solution‑oriented
• Leadership and team management
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Result‑oriented, planning, and change management skills
• Customer/client focus and relationship building
• Analytical and mathematical skills
• Strong oral communication and listening
• Stress tolerance, energetic, self‑starter, and team player

Additional Requirements

• Valid South African driver’s license
• Minimum 7 years in payroll administration
• Practical Payroll MIS knowledge
• Experience in a customer‑oriented service environment
• Knowledge of E@syfile & UIF applications
• Compulsory system knowledge: SAGE 300, D365 modules
• Knowledge of employee‑related legislation: BCEA, EEA, SDA, UICA, WCA, Labour Legislation (LRA), Income Tax, Bargaining Council regulations
• Continuous self‑development and IT training