Payroll Administrator

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking an experienced Payroll Administrator to join our client's team on a fixed-term, 6-month contract basis within the construction industry. The position is based in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town. This role is suited to a solid payroll professional with a good working knowledge of South African payroll and labour legislation. The successful candidate must be accurate, process-driven, confidential, and able to work independently with minimal supervision. Key Responsibilities: Process monthly wages payroll accurately and within required deadlines using Sage 300 People. Import, reconcile, and validate time and attendance data from ERS-Bio before payroll processing. Ensure all earnings, overtime, double time, allowances, leave, unpaid time and deductions are correctly captured and applied. Capture, update and maintain employee information on Sage 300 People and ERS-Bio. Ensure employee records are complete, accurate and compliant. Activate and terminate employees in line with payroll period and HR requirements. Monitor, validate and follow up on timesheets, clocking data and attendance exceptions. Ensure overtime and double time are properly authorised before processing. Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies before payroll cut-off. Maintain proper payroll audit records, including saved timesheets, approvals and supporting documents. Ensure payroll processing complies with company policies, procedures and applicable South African legislation. Capture and verify employee banking details to ensure correct payment setup. Generate payroll reports for checking, reconciliation and management review. Assist with payroll audits and provide supporting documentation when required. Liaise with sites regarding timesheet cut-offs, corrections, approvals and missing information. Assist with HR administration, including employee documentation, contracts, onboarding records, employee changes and termination paperwork. Ensure HR and payroll records are maintained in line with confidentiality and POPIA requirements. Support compliance with relevant payroll and labour legislation, including BCEA, UIF, PAYE, SDL, COIDA and applicable bargaining council requirements. Requirements Key Competencies High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Strong payroll discipline and deadline management. Good HR administration ability. Sound understanding of confidentiality and employee information handling. Ability to work under pressure. Good problem-solving and reconciliation skills. Strong organisational ability. Professional communication with site teams, employees and management. Reliable, structured and able to work with minimal supervision