Payroll Administrator

Red Ember Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of our clients for an experienced Payroll Administrator to manage end-to-end payroll processing within a high-volume environment. This permanent position is responsible for delivering accurate, compliant, and on-time payroll processing that builds employee trust and supports a positive employee experience. The successful candidate will ensure precision in capturing, maintaining, updating, and terminating employee records while maintaining full compliance with company policies and South African legislation. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, confidentiality, strong compliance expertise, and the ability to perform consistently in a deadline-driven environment. Responsibilities: Payroll Processing and Administration: 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. Compliance and Statutory Submissions: 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. Stakeholder and Employee Support: 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). Continuous Improvement: 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. Requirements Education: Minimum Grade 12. Payroll certification or Diploma advantageous. Experience: 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. Knowledge and Technical Skills: Strong understanding of payroll calculations, reconciliations, and reporting. In-depth knowledge of South African labour legislation and statutory compliance. Advanced Microsoft Excel (including VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP and formulas). Strong data analysis and variance reporting capability. Effective payroll record management ensuring audit readiness. Competencies: High attention to detail and accuracy. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Excellent time management and ability to work under pressure. Strong problem-solving and critical thinking ability. Professional, adaptable, collaborative, and customer-focused.