We are searching for a Payroll Associate to join the largest manufacturer and distributor of major appliances in Southern Africa, to be based in Durban, Jacobs. The Payroll Associate will be responsible for all weekly-paid employees are paid accurately, compliantly, and on time, while acting as a subject-matter expert in wage payroll processing, statutory compliance, bargaining council requirements, and payroll controls. The role is responsible for the full weekly payroll cycle, complex reconciliations, audits, reporting, and continuous payroll process improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepare and process the weekly payroll for approximately 1,000 employees, covering the full payroll lifecycle:

• New employee onboarding, Leave processing, terminations and final payments.
• Verification, checking, and authorization of claims.
• Capture new employees, reinstatements, and terminations on SAP HCM.
• Process wage payments, interim payments, garnishees, and third-party payments via QLINK (previously FIHRST).
• Process and reconcile statutory payments and submissions via SARS eFiling.
• Review and validate approved advances, overtime, allowances, and deductions for accuracy and compliance.
• Perform pre- and post-payroll audits, reconciliations, and exception reporting to identify and resolve discrepancies proactively.
• Prepare and reconcile PAYE, UIF, SDL, and third-party payments, ensuring accurate reporting and on-time submissions.
• Serve as the primary payroll contact for auditors, providing schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Investigate and resolve complex payroll queries and discrepancies, including historical corrections and back-pay calculations.
• Administer the Time and Attendance system (SAP-Time & Access).
• Validate time data to ensure accurate payroll inputs, including overtime, shift premiums, and leave balances.
• Maintain accurate employee master data, ensuring all changes are authorised, documented, and processed timeously.
• Prepare month-end payroll journals and integrate payroll data into the financial system.
• Compile and distribute detailed payroll reports, including:
• Communicate payroll changes and risks timeously to the HR-Manager to prevent industrial relations issues.
• Provide guidance and support to HR, line managers, and employees on payroll-related matters.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a payroll environment, preferably within a wage payroll environment.
• Psiber Payroll (Advantageous)
• SAP HCM, QLINK (previously FIHRST Management Services)
• Solid knowledge of Metal and Engineering Bargaining Council rules.
• Strong proficiency in MS Excel and payroll reporting tools.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with the ability to interpret and reconcile payroll data.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality.
• Strong problem-solving and judgment skills.