Payroll Administrator

Purpose of the Job

The purpose of a Payroll Administrator is to deliver accurate and timeous payroll administration services by capturing, validating and maintaining employee payroll data, ensuring compliance with policies and legislation, and supporting efficient payroll processing and query resolution.

Job Objectives

Payroll Administration & Processing

• Capture and update employee payroll information on relevant systems.
• Process payroll-related inputs (e.g. allowances, deductions, leave, terminations) accurately.
• Validate data against source documents to ensure correctness.
• Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation for audit purposes.
• Follow defined payroll processes, schedules and checklists.

Employee Query Support

• Receive, log and resolve basic payroll-related queries.
• Escalate complex payroll discrepancies or issues timeously.
• Communicate payroll information clearly to employees and stakeholders.
• Track query resolution to ensure closure within agreed timelines.

Data Accuracy & Reporting

• Ensure accuracy and completeness of payroll data and inputs.
• Prepare basic payroll reports and reconciliations as required.
• Support payroll checks and balances prior to final payroll runs.
• Use approved systems and data sources for all payroll activities.

Governance & Compliance

• Apply payroll policies, procedures and legislative requirements (e.g. tax, statutory deductions).
• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll information.
• Ensure compliance with POPIA and internal governance standards.
• Identify and escalate risks or inconsistencies in payroll administration.

Team & Operational Support

• Collaborate with the payroll and broader People team to meet deadlines.
• Support payroll cycles and related administrative activities.
• Participate in continuous improvement of payroll processes.
• Assist with ad hoc payroll and administrative tasks as required.

Qualifications

• Grade 12, National Senior Certificate - (essential).
• Diploma in Payroll, Finance, HR, Administration or related field - (beneficial).

Experience

• +1 year in an administrative role with exposure to the HR, payroll or similar environments - (essential).
• Exposure to payroll systems (SAP, or similar) and Microsoft Office (especially Excel) - (preferred)

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience within the FMCG, retail sector or similar - (preferred).