Payroll & Benefits Officer

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Officer to join our client's People Support Department based in Kraaifontein. The successful incumbent will be responsible for the accurate, professional and timeous processing of payroll, while providing efficient payroll, benefits and administration support to the People Support function and wider business. Ensure accurate, timeous and consistent processing of monthly payrolls for hourly and salaried employees. Administer payroll, benefits and leave systems accurately and efficiently. Process additional earnings and deductions, including standby and shift allowances. Load new employees onto SAGE 300 People within the required deadlines. Process employee terminations before payroll roll-over. Update hierarchy changes on SAGE 300 People. Review and approve personal detail changes and employee claims via Sage ESS. Liaise with managers regarding payroll hours, incentives and other payroll-related information. Obtain the necessary approvals for payroll changes relating to earnings, deductions, fringe benefits and company contributions. Ensure all payroll processes comply with company policies and statutory requirements. Payroll Administration Verify contractual entitlements and payment methods for authorisation and compliance with company policies and legislation. Investigate and escalate payroll discrepancies where required. Maintain accurate payroll records on SAGE 300 People. Liaise with employees and management regarding payroll and employee benefit queries. Prepare PAYE, UIF and SDL reconciliations. Prepare payroll-related GL reconciliations. Prepare monthly, bi-annual and annual statutory submissions. Prepare third-party reconciliations and payments, including Discovery and Momentum. Assist with external payroll audits. Complete employment confirmations for external companies and service providers. Prepare accurate and timely monthly payroll reports. Maintain the monthly parking schedule and administer parking allocations in accordance with company policy. Assist with UI19 and UI2.7 forms for terminations and maternity leave when required. Assist with monthly absenteeism reporting. Prepare and maintain monthly payroll files and supporting documentation. Benefits Administration Assist with the administration and billing of employee benefits in accordance with fund rules and company remuneration policies. Assist employees with Medical Aid, Medical Insurance and Gap Cover queries and applications. Submit employee movements and benefit changes to service providers and process the relevant payroll deductions. Notify benefit service providers of employee movements within the required deadlines. Prepare monthly benefit reconciliation and compliance reports. Assist with the annual benefits open period and ensure all changes are accurately reconciled and processed on SAGE 300 People. Process provident fund withdrawal forms for terminated employees. Follow up on outstanding withdrawal forms to ensure retirement benefits are processed timeously. Maintain accurate records of outstanding and submitted withdrawal documentation. Requirements Qualification & Experience Relevant tertiary qualification in Payroll, Human Resources or a related field. Approximately 3 years' relevant payroll experience. Experience working on a payroll system, preferably SAGE 300 People. Experience processing both hourly and salaried payroll. Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills. Functional Competencies SAGE 300 People Microsoft Office Papertrail SARS EasyFile SARS eFiling FNB Online Banking Payroll and HR systems PAYE and statutory compliance Employee benefits administration Payroll reconciliation processes Knowledge of Labour Legislation, specifically: BCEA Skills Development Employment Equity Tax regulations relating to remuneration