Payroll Administrator - Maternity Cover

Red Ember Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of our clients for an experienced Payroll Administrator for a fixed term contract. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and on-time payroll processing that builds trust and supports a positive employee experience. The Payroll Administrator will capture, maintain, update, and terminate employee data with precision, ensure statutory compliance, and manage payroll processing in line with company policies, South African legislation, and best practice standards. This position requires high levels of accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism, ensuring that payroll runs smoothly, compliantly, and in full support of both the business and employees. Responsibilities: Provide accurate monthly payroll check reports to employees and line managers on time. Respond professionally and timorously to payroll queries, escalating delays 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 requirements (e.g., PRP). Accurately capture and reconcile payroll data to minimize financial risk. Verify and process new hires, changes (banking details, annual increases), and terminations including final pay and leave encashment. Complete statutory and compliance submissions including UIF (UI-19), certificates of service, provident fund claims, and maternity documentation. Process payroll elements such as earnings, deductions, company contributions, fringe benefits, and leave transactions. File salary inputs monthly and prepare audit-ready records. Compile payroll reports per checklist for submission to the payroll team leader. Support continuous improvement by identifying inefficiencies and sharing lessons learned. Take initiative to upskill in payroll systems, legislation, and reporting. Requirements Education: Minimum Grade 12. Payroll Certification/Diploma advantageous. Experience: 5–8 years’ payroll administration experience in a high-volume environment (±700 wage earners and ±100 salaried staff). Proven end-to-end payroll processing, including onboarding, changes, and terminations. Strong payroll compliance knowledge (PAYE, UIF, SDL, BCEA). Job Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of payroll principles, calculations, and processes. Strong understanding of South African labor legislation and statutory requirements. Familiarity with HR processes (onboarding, benefits, leave, terminations). Understanding of payroll reporting, reconciliation’s, and audit requirements. Technical Skills: Proficient in end-to-end payroll processing. Strong knowledge of compliance requirements (PAYE, UIF, SDL, BCEA). Minimum 3 years’ experience on Sage 300 People. Advantageous: exposure to timekeeping systems. Skilled in data analysis, reconciliation’s, and variance reporting. Advanced Microsoft Excel (including VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas). Effective record management for audit readiness. Soft Skills: High attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Excellent time management and resilience under pressure. Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. Adaptable, collaborative, and customer-focused.