Payroll and HR Officer

Job description

Red Ember is seeking to hire a Payroll and HR Officer based in Boksburg.
Payroll & Benefits Administration

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.

Recruitment Support

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.

Performance, Training & Skills Development

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.

HR Policies & Labour Relations

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.

Employment Equity & Compliance

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.

General HR Support

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.