Payroll / HR and Sars Compliance Officer - Worcester

Our client•Worcester, MA

24d

About The Position

The Payroll / HR and SARS Compliance Officer owns payroll delivery, HR administration, statutory compliance and client service. The role is more than payroll processing: it calls for an accountable professional who can take ownership of processes, guide colleagues and clients, identify improvements and progressively assume greater responsibility. The position offers scope to develop into a senior or leadership-level role. The successful candidate will process weekly and monthly payrolls, administer employee matters and benefits, and manage South African statutory submissions and records. They will support employee relations and compliance with relevant legislation, coordinate Employment Equity and skills submissions, and help improve and standardise payroll and HR systems and procedures. They will also serve as a professional point of contact for payroll, HR and compliance queries from clients and employees.

Requirements

Grade 12 / Matric.
A recognised qualification in Payroll Administration, Financial Accounting, Human Resources or a related field.
3–5 years' practical experience in full-function payroll, HR administration and statutory compliance.
Strong working knowledge of Sage Payroll, preferably Sage 300 People or Sage VIP Premier (SBCPP).
Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Proven experience with SARS eFiling, e@syFile and uFiling.
Working knowledge of South African employment legislation and statutory requirements.
Experience with EMP201, EMP501, IRP5/IT3(a), UIF, COIDA, Employment Equity and WSP/ATR submissions.
Ability to take ownership, guide others, stay organised and deadline-driven, and work accurately and analytically.
Proactive, solutions-oriented and professional, with a service-focused approach.
Able to work independently while contributing positively to a team.
Discreet and trustworthy when handling confidential information.
Comfortable dealing with clients, employees and management, and able to handle pressure and resolve problems calmly.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Zoho People.
Potential and interest in progressing into a Senior Payroll / HR or Team Leadership position.

Responsibilities

Take ownership of accurate and timely weekly and monthly payroll processing, including shifts, overtime, allowances, deductions and employee changes.
Ensure payroll deadlines and service standards are consistently achieved.
Handle payroll, benefits, leave and employee-related queries, providing professional guidance and practical solutions.
Review payroll processes and identify opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency and service delivery.
Resolve issues and follow them through to completion.
Prepare, reconcile and submit monthly EMP201 declarations via SARS eFiling.
Complete biannual EMP501 reconciliations and generate IRP5/IT3(a) certificates using SARS e@syFile.
Process monthly UIF declarations via uFiling and coordinate annual COIDA submissions.
Maintain accurate compliance records, meet statutory deadlines and monitor relevant legislative and compliance requirements.
Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in line with POPIA requirements.
Administer employment contracts, onboarding documentation and employee movements.
Manage medical aid, provident fund and funeral scheme administration, ensuring third-party benefit payments reconcile accurately to payroll.
Assist with disciplinary processes, hearings and CCMA matters, including administration and representation support.
Provide practical guidance on HR processes aligned with the LRA, BCEA and Income Tax Act, and support effective employee relations.
Coordinate annual Employment Equity submissions and manage Workplace Skills Plans (WSP) and Annual Training Reports (ATR).
Liaise with relevant SETAs and ensure submissions are accurate and completed by prescribed deadlines.
Maintain supporting documentation and compliance records for Employment Equity and skills submissions.
Take ownership of payroll and HR processes from start to finish, and guide colleagues and clients.
Become a trusted point of reference for payroll, HR and compliance matters.
Proactively identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements; assist with implementing better systems, controls and procedures.
Help develop and standardise payroll and HR processes, take initiative, and exercise sound judgement with sensitive employee and client matters.
Build professional relationships, manage expectations and take on increasing responsibility as the business and role develop.