Senior HR and Payroll Lead

A well-recognised manufacturing organisation requires an experienced professional to ensure the seamless execution of end-to-end payroll and human resources administration. Positioned within the finance function, the successful candidate will maintain the delicate balance between financial governance and HR support, serving as a primary guardian of employee data integrity and legislative compliance within a high-output production environment. Leveraging modern AI tools to drive efficiency, the successful candidate will provide critical support to the Finance SGM while maintaining a collaborative link to the HR function. Permanent, full-time in office, R50 000 - R54 000 per month, or pro-rata for a 6-hour day option. Key Responsibilities Payroll Lifecycle Management: Prepare and process accurate monthly payroll for South African and international operations, ensuring all inputs for earnings, deductions, and benefits are captured within strict monthly deadlines. Financial Integration: Process all payroll-related general ledger entries in SAP, reconcile balance sheet accounts by month-end, and manage salary cost allocations across various entities. Governance and Compliance: Ensure total adherence to South African labour legislation (BCEA, LRA, EEA) and POPIA principles while maintaining audit-ready documentation and supporting statutory reconciliations for PAYE, UIF, and SDL. Employee Lifecycle Administration: Manage the administrative side of onboarding, terminations, and contract changes, while maintaining updated organisational charts and HRIS data. Stakeholder and Query Support: Act as the professional point of contact for employee queries regarding benefits and payroll, while coordinating with external providers and supporting internal/external audit processes. Reporting and Analysis: Produce accurate headcount and HR reports for Finance and HR leadership to support organisational decision-making. Relief at reception may be required from time to time. Requirements Education: A Diploma or Degree in Human Resources, Finance, Payroll, or a related field. Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of dedicated experience in payroll and HR administration, ideally within a Finance-led environment. Technical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of South African payroll legislation and statutory requirements. Accounting Proficiency: A strong accounting background with practical experience in payroll accounting, general ledger reconciliations, and accounting principles - specifically debits, credits, and complex reconciliations. Soft Skills: Exceptional attention to detail, a high level of integrity for handling confidential data, and the ability to manage strict deadlines under pressure. Preferred Qualifications Professional Payroll Certification (e.g., SAGE certification). Previous experience supporting formal audit processes. Exposure to multinational or complex organisational structures. Required Software Skills SAP (or similar ERP systems). Payroll Systems (e.g., VIP). Advanced Microsoft Excel. Infoslips (or similar payslip distribution tools). HRIS platforms. AI tools Benefits The organisation is currently evolving its digital landscape, offering an environment that embraces AI to enhance efficiency. You will join a collaborative team where Finance and HR work in close alignment, providing a structured yet forward-thinking workplace in Sandton. Reduced hours option available