Payroll & Bookkeeping Administrator

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking an experienced Payroll Bookkeeper to join our client’s Finance team in Tzaneen, Limpopo. This role is ideal for someone who has strong end-to-end payroll experience combined with bookkeeping and finance responsibilities and is comfortable working across payroll processing, statutory compliance, reconciliations and general accounting. Key Responsibilities Payroll Process monthly, weekly and/or bi-weekly payroll accurately and within deadlines. Process salaries, wages, overtime, bonuses, allowances, deductions and leave. Capture new employees, terminations, salary adjustments and leave payouts. Maintain accurate employee payroll records and leave balances. Process statutory deductions including PAYE, UIF and SDL, as well as pension/provident funds, medical aid, garnishees and other deductions. Prepare and reconcile EMP201 and EMP501 submissions. Prepare IRP5s and other statutory payroll reports. Prepare payroll payment files and verify banking details. Reconcile third-party payments and payroll-related accounts. Resolve employee payroll queries and discrepancies. Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll and personal information. Bookkeeping & Finance Capture day-to-day financial transactions. Process sales, purchases, receipts and payments. Maintain accurate general ledger entries. Perform bank, cash and credit card reconciliations. Process supplier invoices and employee expense claims. Assist with supplier and customer reconciliations. Prepare payment schedules and assist with debtor follow-ups. Assist with month-end and year-end close processes. Prepare basic accounting schedules, including accruals, prepayments and fixed assets. Assist with trial balances, expense summaries, account analyses and financial reporting. Support budgeting and forecasting, including payroll-related budgets. Assist with salary increase and bonus calculations. Compliance & Audit Ensure payroll and financial transactions comply with company policies and applicable legislation. Assist with VAT and other tax-related documentation. Maintain accurate records and audit trails. Assist with internal and external audits. Provide payroll and financial documentation to auditors. Identify and report discrepancies or potential errors. Systems & Administration Maintain accurate information across payroll, accounting and ERP systems. Assist with payroll and accounting system updates and testing. Support process improvements and system implementations. Maintain organised electronic and physical financial records. Liaise with HR and Finance regarding payroll and accounting matters. Provide general Finance and payroll administration as required. Requirements Grade 12 / Matric required. Relevant qualifications in Accounting, Finance, Payroll, Bookkeeping or a related field would be advantageous. Payroll or accounting certification would be advantageous. Experience Previous experience in a payroll and bookkeeping/finance administration role. Practical experience processing payroll from start to finish. Experience with statutory payroll requirements and reconciliations. Experience with bookkeeping and general ledger transactions. Experience with accounts payable and accounts receivable would be advantageous. Experience working with confidential employee and financial information. Experience assisting with month-end processes and audits.