Payroll jobs in South Africa

Market-related Salary

12 month Fixed term Contract

Cape Town

We are seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Employee Compensation Coordinator to join a dynamic People & Culture team. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, legislative compliance, and effective support to employees with payroll-related queries. It is well suited to a payroll professional with a solid foundation who is ready to take on increased responsibility and contribute to process improvements.

• Process end-to-end payroll for approximately 240 employees across multiple payrolls
• Ensure payrolls are processed accurately and on time
• Maintain compliance with tax legislation, statutory deductions, and internal policies
• Maintain and update payroll records, including new hires, terminations, promotions, and salary changes
• Verify payroll inputs are fully supported by required documentation and approvals
• Perform payroll reconciliations and resolve discrepancies timeously
• Prepare payroll reports for Finance, HR, and external stakeholders
• Liaise with third-party providers such as payroll system vendors, benefit administrators, and consultants
• Support payroll-related audits and ensure documentation is accurate and audit-ready
• File monthly salary inputs and maintain complete payroll records
• Act as the first point of contact for payroll-related queries, resolving issues professionally
• Collaborate closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure aligned payroll processes
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and support system enhancements
• Provide general administrative support and assist with ad hoc payroll tasks

• Diploma or Degree in Human Resources, Finance, or a related field
• SAPA Payroll Practitioner Certificate (preferred)
• Payroll processing training
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Training or courses in Labour Law, Tax Compliance, or Data Protection (POPIA/GDPR)
• Short courses in Payroll Auditing, Process Improvement, or Digital HR Tools are advantageous
• Exposure to multi-country or cross-border payroll is beneficial

• 2–4 years’ hands‑on payroll administration experience
• Strong knowledge of South African payroll legislation, including PAYE, UIF, SDL, and statutory reporting
• Experience using payroll systems such as Sage, PaySpace, VIP, or similar
• Proven experience managing end‑to‑end payroll cycles
• Experience supporting payroll audits
• Strong employee support capability, including handling queries and resolving discrepancies

• Payroll systems proficiency
• Strong legislative and regulatory knowledge
• Payroll reconciliation and data accuracy
• Advanced Excel and payroll reporting skills
• Understanding of HRIS and ERP integrations
• Secure handling of confidential payroll information
• Process improvement and automation mindset

• Exceptional attention to detail
• High accountability and reliability
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Excellent time management
• Clear and professional communication
• Collaborative team player
• Adaptable and quick to learn
• Strong customer service orientation
• High ethical standards and integrity

• Contract: Fixed-term (12 months)
• Work model: Hybrid (3 days office-based, 2 days remote)
• Start date: Immediate / January start preferred