Payroll & Compliance Officer

We are seeking a meticulous and proactive Payroll and Compliance Officer with a strong understanding of Payspace Payroll system, compliance regulations, and labour legislation in South Africa. In addition, the role requires experience dealing with, completing and managing certain finance-related tasks such as monthly SARS submissions, bank reconciliations and calculation of provident fund contributions and benefits. This role requires a hands-on professional capable of managing payroll functions while ensuring full legal and statutory compliance. The ideal candidate must have the foresight and expertise to identify compliance risks and resolve issues before they lead to penalties, mal-administration, or employee dissatisfaction. It is noted that the successful candidate herein with not only be accountable for the below mentioned functions, but will also do, perform, and complete every task personally.

Reporting directly to the Head of Finance

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDES BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Payroll Systems, Payroll Management and Financial:

• Manage and complete end-to-end payroll processes for all employees on a monthly basis, ensuring timely and accurate payroll runs (including but not limited to running the entire payroll process, inputs, reports, system and assisting with applicable audits).
• Oversee payroll tax deductions and benefits administration, including provident funds and statutory contributions (as well as any other SARS required compliance such as application for the applicable tax directive).
• Complete monthly bank reconciliations and review applicable bank statements (including but not limited to reviewing any applicable management accounts, provident and/or pension fund spreadsheets, and any other related financial function which reasonably falls within the scope of the role)
• Generate and review payroll reports to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Facilitate and complete any necessary training, systems or other, related to payroll and its management.
• Completing monthly payroll submissions, departmental reports, reviewing managerial reports, liaising with any third-party payroll systems, consultants or service providers.
• Ensure financial compliance with all relevant legislation, company policies, industry requirements and best practice, including the implementation of any necessary policy to address a gap in compliance.

Compliance:

• Ensure all payroll practices comply with relevant South African legislation (BCEA, LRA, UIF, SDL, COIDA).
• Manage and complete all necessary statutory monthly and annual submissions including but not limited to EMP201, EMP501, and SARS submissions.
• Handle and complete all necessary submissions related to UIF, Workman’s Compensation, and other employment-related compliance issues.
• Monitor and ensure timeous processing of tax clearances and IRP5 submissions.
• Keep up to date with changing laws and regulations in the payroll and employment compliance space.
• Lead internal audits to check for compliance breaches and rectify issues before they escalate.
• Ensure that all employees are kept up to date with any changes in compliance requirements applicable to them, provident fund amendments and similar employee-related compliance/regulatory issues.

Reporting and Communication:

• Compile and submit accurate financial and payroll reports to the finance team.
• Liaise with SARS, Department of Labour, and other regulatory bodies to ensure full compliance.
• Collaborate with HR to address any payroll-related employee queries.
• Regularly and proactively communicate changes in tax and payroll legislation to the relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate and complete training with team members or any team/department regarding payroll, compliance, risk management and similar.
• Minimise pay queries through attention to detail; collaboration with all business units; and proactive management and/or implementation of systems.
• Extract and prepare any necessary report pertaining to payroll, compliance or any similar aspect or function which falls within the scope of the role.

Payroll, Financial and Compliance Risk Management:

• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to non-compliance (legal, statutory, employment legislation and similar) and payroll inaccuracies.
• Lead compliance checks and stay ahead of issues to avoid penalties, fines, or employee unrest.
• Design and implement corrective measures in the event of compliance breaches.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in HR and Payroll Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in payroll administration, compliance and certain mentioned financial functions.
• Must have extensive knowledge of Payspace payroll system
• Comprehensive knowledge of South African payroll laws and regulations.
• Proven experience with statutory submissions including EMP201, EMP501, SARS submissions, UIF, and Workman’s Compensation.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret payroll data and make compliance-driven decisions.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in managing complex payroll processes.
• Ability to stay organized and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with various teams and stakeholders.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary package and benefits.
Various employee benefits ranging from subsidised schooling for kids to employee discounts.
A collaborative and supportive work environment.
Opportunities for personal and professional growth within the company.
A chance to be part of a forward-thinking team committed to compliance and payroll excellence.