Kempton Park: Payroll Specialist

Job Purpose The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and timely processing of payroll across the organisation. This role requires extensive hands-on payroll experience, strong knowledge of South African labour and tax legislation, and the ability to manage payroll within a complex regulatory environment. Key Responsibilities Payroll Processing Capture, process, and reconcile monthly payroll with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality Ensure accurate calculation of salaries, wages, incentives, overtime, allowances, bonuses, deductions, and employee benefits Manage payroll inputs and validations from time and attendance systems Perform payroll reconciliations and ensure payroll accuracy prior to finalisation Statutory & Legislative Compliance Prepare, submit, and reconcile EMP201 and EMP501 returns in accordance with SARS requirements Ensure accurate calculation and submission of PAYE, UIF, and SDL Manage MIBCO submissions, reconciliations, and related queries Ensure full compliance with South African labour legislation, including BCEA and LRA requirements Maintain compliance with COIDA and other applicable statutory regulations Time & Attendance Management Administer and maintain the biometric clocking system Validate clocking data, resolve discrepancies, and ensure seamless payroll integration Liaise with line managers regarding attendance, overtime, and shift-related matters Leave Administration Administer employee leave in accordance with company policy and BCEA requirements Maintain accurate leave records (annual, sick, family responsibility, unpaid leave, etc.) Ensure correct leave balances and payroll impact Issue notifications regarding leave expiry Reporting & Controls Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, and variance analyses Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure proper document control Support internal and external audits with payroll and HR documentation Ensure strong internal controls and data integrity Systems & Administration Maintain and administer payroll systems (e.g., Sage 300 or similar platforms) Ensure data accuracy, system integrity, and confidentiality at all times Maintain accurate employee records and payroll files Provide payroll-related support to HR and management Employee & Stakeholder Support Act as the first point of contact for payroll-related queries from employees and management Liaise with SARS, MIBCO, medical aid providers, pension/provident funds, insurers, and auditors Provide payroll data and insights to HR and Finance teams Additional HR & Compliance Responsibilities Employment Equity (EE) Manage and administer the Employment Equity function Prepare, analyse, and submit EEA2 and EEA4 reports within statutory deadlines Monitor EE targets, workforce demographics, and progress against equity plans Support EE audits and Department of Labour inspections Skills Development & SETA Administer Skills Development Levies (SDL) in line with SETA requirements Prepare, submit, and track ATR and WSP reports within statutory deadlines Ensure alignment between payroll data, training records, and employee information for SDL and SETA reporting Liaise with relevant SETAs, training providers, and internal stakeholders Monitor training spend and grant claims where applicable HR Support & Employee Engagement Assist with staff welfare initiatives and employee engagement activities Coordinate company events, including logistics and communication Manage the distribution of staff rewards and incentives with accurate record-keeping Support HR compliance processes and audits Ensure alignment between payroll data, HR records, and statutory reporting General Perform additional duties as required by management Minimum Requirements Qualifications & Experience Diploma in Payroll, Finance, and/or Accounting Minimum 10 years experience in a similar payroll-focused role Valid Code 8 drivers licence Strong knowledge of South African tax legislation and statutory requirements (PAYE, UIF, SDL, ATR, EE, COIDA) Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Sage 300 (or similar payroll systems), and biometric time & attendance systems Personal Attributes High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality Strong attention to detail and accuracy Confident and proactive approach with the ability to anticipate risks and resolve issues Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills