Payroll Administrator

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking, on behalf of our client, a Temporary Payroll Administrator to support the payroll function based in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The Temporary Payroll Administrator will be responsible for the accurate and timely processing of weekly and monthly payroll for casual, temporary, and permanent operational staff across kiosks and branches.

This role supports payroll cycles, employee data management, overtime processing, and payroll-related queries, while ensuring compliance with company policies and South African labour legislation.

Responsibilities

1. Payroll Processing (Weekly & Monthly) Capture and process weekly and monthly payroll registers for: Permanent branch employees Kiosk employees and drivers Temporary and casual staff PUDO and branch casuals Process once-off and ad-hoc payroll payments. Capture payroll transactions on Sage 300, including: Flexi-time entries. Overtime, public holidays, night shifts, and weekend work. Allowances and earnings. Generate payroll CSV files and submit for payment within required deadlines. Perform payroll reconciliations and payroll spot checks to ensure accuracy. Print payroll summaries and submit sign-off documentation to HR.
2. Overtime & Timekeeping Administration Receive, compile, and verify overtime submissions from Area and Regional Managers. Manage and reconcile employee clockings using the ERS Clocking System. Validate overtime sheets against clocking reports using Excel tools (e.g. VLOOKUP, pivot tables). Distribute overtime sign-off sheets to kiosks and ensure staff verification prior to payroll finalisation.
3. Employee Data & HR Administration Load and maintain employee records on Sage 300, including: New appointments (casuals, temps, and permanent staff) Promotions, acting allowances, and transfers Addendums and salary adjustments Personal and banking detail changes Process HR documentation timeously and ensure accurate payroll updates. Maintain clear and accurate records of terminations, end-of-contracts, and resignations.
4. Leave, UIF & Compliance Administer leave transactions, balances, corrections, and reconciliations. Action leave-related queries, including cancellations and amendments. Process UIF documentation (UI19s, maternity leave, and illness claims). Support labour audits and inspections by compiling clockings and payment reconciliations. Ensure ongoing payroll compliance with South African statutory and labour requirements.
5. Deductions & Allowances Process payroll deductions, including: Garnishees and maintenance orders. Acknowledgements of Debt (AODs). Traffic fines and uniform deductions Service failure or kiosk-related deductions. Process allowances such as: Vehicle branding. Call-outs and ad-hoc operational payments.
6. Payroll Queries & Support Serve as a point of contact for payroll and salary-related queries from employees, managers, and HR. Issue payslips upon request. Respond to payroll-related emails within agreed turnaround times. Provide general payroll and administrative support to the Payroll Manager and team.

Requirements

Matric (Grade 12. Tertiary qualification in Payroll Administration. Proven Sage 300 payroll processing experience (minimum 2 years). Minimum 3–5 years’ payroll administration experience, preferably within a high-volume or operational environment (3,000+ employees). Sound knowledge of employee tax implications. Working knowledge of medical aids and National Bargaining Council (NBCRFLI) rules. Experience with ROE submissions and Employment Equity submissions. Experience processing casual, temporary, and shift-based payrolls (advantageous). Skills & Competencies Strong numerical accuracy with exceptional attention to detail. Excellent time management, planning skills, and a deadline-driven approach. Proficient in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, spreadsheets). Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team. Dependable, flexible, and able to perform effectively under pressure. High levels of speed and accuracy in payroll processing.