Payroll Specialist

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking a Payroll Specialist on behalf of our client based in Bryanston, Gauteng. The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the full end-to-end payroll processing function, ensuring accurate payroll administration while maintaining compliance with legislative requirements, payroll tax obligations, and internal policies and procedures. The role requires strong payroll knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy in payroll data. The incumbent will ensure all payroll updates, including new hires, terminations, and salary changes, are processed correctly and timeously. The role also requires working closely with internal stakeholders to resolve payroll queries, improve payroll processes, and ensure compliance with statutory reporting obligations. Payroll Processing • Process full payroll cycles from inception to completion. • Ensure accurate and timely salary payments. Process payroll changes, including: • New hires • Terminations • Salary changes • Payroll adjustments. • Maintain payroll data and employee records while ensuring confidentiality. • Process executive payroll where required. • Review and approve payroll information before reports are distributed. Compliance and Reporting • Ensure compliance with South African payroll legislation and SARS requirements. Prepare and submit statutory reports, including: • EMP201 • EMP501 • Maintain PAYE reconciliations and ensure alignment with payroll and finance records. • Apply for Tax Directives (IRP3e) where applicable. • Ensure payroll processes comply with internal procedures and regulatory requirements. Payroll Administration and Reconciliations Prepare payroll reports including: • Variance reports • Payroll costing reports • Reconciliations • Third-party payments • Incentives and commission reports • Payroll benchmarking • Payroll forecasting • Review payroll earnings, deductions, and employer contributions. • Ensure accurate payroll journal preparation and reconciliation. • Ensure payroll figures reconcile with financial records. Systems and Technology • Ensure effective use of Sage 300 Payroll system. • Maintain payroll system configurations and ensure data accuracy. • Maintain a paperless payroll environment where possible. • Utilize Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel, for payroll reporting and analysis. • Process Improvement and Efficiency • Evaluate payroll processes and recommend improvements. • Implement changes to improve payroll accuracy and efficiency. • Improve response time to payroll queries and requests. • Ensure payroll deadlines are consistently met. Stakeholder and Client Interaction • Respond to employee payroll queries timeously. • Provide feedback to employees and management regarding payroll matters. • Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders. • Ensure queries are documented and resolved accurately. • Correct payroll errors immediately or in the following payroll cycle if necessary. Team Support and Collaboration • Assist the payroll team with administrative or ad hoc tasks where required. • Participate in company meetings, team activities, and operational discussions. • Support strategic projects within the Human Capital function. • Build strong working relationships across departments. Requirements 7–10 years payroll experience Proven experience with Sage 300 Payroll Experience managing full payroll processing Knowledge of South African Labour Law Knowledge of Human Capital policies and procedures Knowledge of payroll compliance and statutory requirements Ability to handle sensitive and confidential payroll information Strong understanding of payroll reporting and reconciliation processes