Cape Town City Centre: Employee Compensation Coordinator

Employee Compensation Coordinator Market-related Salary 12 month Fixed term Contract Cape Town We are seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Employee Compensation Coordinator to join a dynamic People & Culture team. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, legislative compliance, and effective support to employees with payroll-related queries. It is well suited to a payroll professional with a solid foundation who is ready to take on increased responsibility and contribute to process improvements. Key Responsibilities Process end-to-end payroll for approximately 240 employees across multiple payrolls Ensure payrolls are processed accurately and on time Maintain compliance with tax legislation, statutory deductions, and internal policies Maintain and update payroll records, including new hires, terminations, promotions, and salary changes Verify payroll inputs are fully supported by required documentation and approvals Perform payroll reconciliations and resolve discrepancies timeously Prepare payroll reports for Finance, HR, and external stakeholders Liaise with third-party providers such as payroll system vendors, benefit administrators, and consultants Support payroll-related audits and ensure documentation is accurate and audit-ready File monthly salary inputs and maintain complete payroll records Act as the first point of contact for payroll-related queries, resolving issues professionally Collaborate closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure aligned payroll processes Identify opportunities for process improvement and support system enhancements Provide general administrative support and assist with ad hoc payroll tasks Qualifications & Certifications Diploma or Degree in Human Resources, Finance, or a related field SAPA Payroll Practitioner Certificate (preferred) Payroll processing training Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills Training or courses in Labour Law, Tax Compliance, or Data Protection (POPIA/GDPR) Short courses in Payroll Auditing, Process Improvement, or Digital HR Tools are advantageous Exposure to multi-country or cross-border payroll is beneficial Experience Required 2–4 years’ hands-on payroll administration experience Strong knowledge of South African payroll legislation, including PAYE, UIF, SDL, and statutory reporting Experience using payroll systems such as Sage, PaySpace, VIP, or similar Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll cycles Experience supporting payroll audits Strong employee support capability, including handling queries and resolving discrepancies Key Competencies Technical Payroll systems proficiency Strong legislative and regulatory knowledge Payroll reconciliation and data accuracy Advanced Excel and payroll reporting skills Understanding of HRIS and ERP integrations Secure handling of confidential payroll information Process improvement and automation mindset Behavioural Exceptional attention to detail High accountability and reliability Strong problem-solving ability Excellent time management Clear and professional communication Collaborative team player Adaptable and quick to learn Strong customer service orientation High ethical standards and integrity Additional Information Contract: Fixed-term (12 months) Work model: Hybrid (3 days office-based, 2 days remote) Start date: Immediate / January start preferred