Payroll and HR Officer

• Lead the full payroll function with a strategic and analytical approach using SAGE Premier VIP as a super-user.
  
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately timeously and in compliance with all statutory bodies including SARS Department of Labour and the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO).
  
• Apply advanced tax calculation knowledge including tax rules for perks tax retirement benefits travel allowances and back pay.
  
• Reconcile and analyse payroll-related reports such as costing general ledger entries (GLs) leave balances third-party submissions and ensure alignment with financial systems.
  
• Oversee benefits administration including medical aid provident fund garnishees AHP/SAF and ensure timely and accurate third-party reconciliation and payments.
  
• Evaluate service providers and brokers regularly to ensure optimum value for money and benefit offering to employees.
  
• Administer ESS time & attendance systems and manage associated calculations such as short time leave trends and anomalies.
  
• Ensure effective year-end tax submissions and alignment with SARS compliance requirements.
  
• Take a forward-thinking approach by identifying automation and smart process improvements in payroll operations including integration between systems and Excel.
  
• Maintain accurate system backups version updates and support business continuity and audit readiness.
  
• Support month-end reporting including BIM costing and audit packs in collaboration with finance.
  

• Assist in recruitment administration with a specific focus on tasks that interlink with payroll such as:
  
• Validating salary benchmarks and packages against internal pay scales and parity.
  
• Drafting job offers aligned to internal grading and benefits structures.
  
• Preparing onboarding packs that ensure correct employee data for payroll processing.
  
• Capturing new employee data and updating payroll system records (VIP).
  
• Ensuring compliance with EE targets during recruitment tracking.
  

• Support performance and skills development functions including but not limited to:
  
• Recording performance review outcomes on an increase tracking sheet
  
• Supporting accurate recording of training costs and reporting for Workplace Skills Plans (WSP).
  
• Implementation & support on skills module on VIP.
  

• Assist in labour relations processes by preparing payroll-related documentation for hearings (e.g. time & attendance reports earnings data).
  
• Support HR by representing the company in disciplinary hearings when needed.
  
• Contribute to the development review and implementation of HR policies particularly where policies affect earnings leave time management and benefits.
  
• Ensure payroll and benefit-related practices are consistent with internal policies and current labour legislation.
  

• Manage and maintain Employment Equity data within VIP and Excel to support annual reporting.
  
• Assist with the submission of EE & COIDA reports to the Department of Labour and RMA.
  
• Ensure employee data aligns with EE planning WSP submissions and payroll records.
  

• Provide ongoing HR system and policy advisory support to management and staff.
  
• Maintain updated and compliant employee files and records.
  
• Participate in internal audits and contribute to payroll-related compliance reviews.
  
• Assist in staff file audits and recommend system or process improvements.
  
• Foster a collaborative HR service culture working across departments to deliver smart efficient HR/payroll practices and wellness related benefits
  

Requirements

• Matric relevant HR/Payroll qualification.
  
• Minimum 5 10 years experience in a payroll-heavy HR role with a strong compliance and reporting focus.
  
• Advanced Sage Premier VIP experience (super-user level).
  
• In-depth knowledge of South African tax rules perks tax fringe benefits and payroll legislation.
  
• Experience working with or in the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO).
  
• Working knowledge of MERSETA processes and requirements including the management of MOAs/tranche payments.
  
• Solid understanding of payroll reconciliation cost centre reporting and integration with finance systems.
  
• Proven ability to work with and analyse payroll data.
  
• Strong skills in Excel data automation and system-driven efficiencies.
  
• Experience supporting recruitment performance and training processes with payroll data.
  
• High level of confidentiality integrity and professionalism.
  
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking.
  
• Proactive solution-oriented and deadline-driven.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Ability to think critically and introduce smart automated approaches to improve efficiency.
  
• Resilient under pressure and capable of managing competing deadlines.
  
• Ability to work independently.