Payroll Administrator

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Red Ember Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of our clients for an experienced Payroll Administrator to manage end-to-end payroll processing within a high-volume environment.

This permanent position is responsible for delivering accurate, compliant, and on-time payroll processing that builds employee trust and supports a positive employee experience. The successful candidate will ensure precision in capturing, maintaining, updating, and terminating employee records while maintaining full compliance with company policies and South African legislation.

This role requires exceptional attention to detail, confidentiality, strong compliance expertise, and the ability to perform consistently in a deadline-driven environment.

• Execute full end-to-end payroll processing for approximately 700 wage earners and 100 salaried staff.
  
• Accurately capture, reconcile, and validate payroll data to minimize financial risk.
  
• Process new hires, employee changes (banking details, annual increases), and terminations including final pay and leave encashment.
  
• Process all payroll elements including earnings, deductions, company contributions, fringe benefits, and leave transactions.
  
• Maintain complete, audit-ready payroll records and file monthly salary inputs.
  
• Compile and submit payroll reports per checklist to the Payroll Team Leader.
  

• Ensure compliance with PAYE, UIF, SDL, BCEA, and all applicable South African statutory requirements.
  
• Complete and submit statutory documentation including UIF (UI-19), certificates of service, provident fund claims, and maternity documentation.
  
• Support internal and external audit processes through effective record management.
  

• Provide accurate monthly payroll check reports to employees and line managers.
  
• Respond professionally and timeously to payroll queries, escalating matters where required.
  
• Advise employees on payroll-related policies and procedures.
  
• Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and operational sites to ensure seamless payroll processing and timekeeping system integration (e.g., PRP).
  

• Identify payroll inefficiencies or compliance risks and recommend process improvements.
  
• Share knowledge and lessons learned to improve team accuracy and consistency.
  
• Proactively upskill in payroll systems, legislation, and reporting requirements.