Financial and Payroll Administrator

Supporting financial integrity across an established national retailer, this position manages end-to-end monthly payroll operations while delivering precise financial reporting and administrative controls. The role ensures smooth processing for a large workforce and accurate reconciliation of core accounting ledger entries. Working on a hybrid basis in Cape Town (3 days on-site, 2 days remote), this maternity cover contract position runs through to 31 May 2027. The successful candidate will join the finance team immediately to maintain continuity in payroll processing, stock reporting, cashbook reconciliations, and general finance administration. Key Responsibilities Prepare and process monthly payroll operations for approximately 800 employees, ensuring accurate capturing of employee records, banking details, and staff movement tracking. Compile clocking issue reports using roster and clocking data, reconcile time registers against leave records, and follow up on manager discrepancies. Review clocking feedback, calculate multiple incentive structures, track overtime approvals, and manage sundry deductions, garnishees, loans, and advances. Process new hire setups, leavers, backpay, and leave terminations, while updating the adjustment tracker and compiling variance reports for Financial Manager review. Manage all payroll-related queries and perform monthly reconciliations of all payroll-related general ledger accounts and staff turnover reporting. Produce weekly stock reports covering damaged and expired inventory, track pet spa price changes, publish scorecards, and complete monthly departmental reporting checks. Process, report, and reconcile company credit card expenditures, managing the ordering, renewal, and cancellation of credit cards. Perform processing and reconciliation tasks for the payroll cashbook bank account. Administer company insurance claims, complete general finance filing, and assist with ad-hoc financial projects as required. Requirements Proven track record in processing large-scale monthly payrolls (approximately 800 employees). Comprehensive experience in time and attendance reconciliations, variance reporting, general ledger reconciliations, and cashbook processing. Experience in financial reporting, credit card reconciliations, and general finance administration. Ability to work on a hybrid schedule in Cape Town (3 days in-office, 2 days remote). Immediate availability for a maternity cover contract extending through to 31 May 2027. Desirable Requirements Experience within the retail sector. Required Software Skills Think Time (specifically for roster and clocking issue ticket management). Payroll software processing system MS Excel Benefits Hybrid 3/2 days Large national established retailer Available to start as soon as possible