The posting
Job Overview
The HR Generalist (Payroll & HR Operations) is responsible for the management and administration of the company's payroll function while providing comprehensive support across the employee lifecycle. The incumbent serves as the primary custodian of payroll administration, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll, statutory compliance, employee benefits administration, payroll reporting, and payroll governance.
In addition to payroll responsibilities, the role supports the day-to-day HR operations of the business, including recruitment administration, onboarding, employee records management, employee relations administration, compliance reporting, skills development administration, and HR reporting.
The role requires a highly analytical and detail-oriented individual with strong payroll expertise, advanced Sage 300 People experience, and a sound understanding of South African labour legislation and payroll regulations. The successful candidate must be capable of operating independently, managing multiple priorities, and maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality and accuracy.
Qualifications and Experience
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Human Resources Management, Payroll Administration, Finance, Accounting, or an equivalent qualification
- Minimum 7 years' experience within Human Resources and Payroll Administration
- Minimum 5 years' experience managing payroll from input to finalisation
- Advanced Sage 300 People experience is essential
- Experience administering payroll within a medium to large organisation
- Proven experience with payroll reconciliations, statutory submissions, and month-end reporting
- Experience with time and attendance management systems
- Sound knowledge of the BCEA, Labour Relations Act, Employment Equity Act, UIF, PAYE, SDL, COIDA, and related legislation
- Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Management
- Manage the full payroll function from data input through to final payroll processing and validation.
- Maintain and administer the Sage 300 People platform.
- Verify and process overtime, leave transactions, deductions, garnishees, allowances, incentives, and payroll adjustments.
- Conduct payroll audits and reconciliations prior to payroll finalisation.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory payroll requirements and reporting obligations.
- Prepare and reconcile monthly submissions relating to PAYE, UIF, SDL, and other legislative requirements.
- Support Finance with payroll reconciliations, journals, month-end reporting, and audit requirements.
- Process new engagements, promotions, transfers, salary amendments, and terminations.
- Manage annual payroll activities, including tax year-end reconciliations and IRP5 submissions.
- Generate payroll reports and management information for operational and executive review.
- Investigate and resolve payroll-related queries and discrepancies.
Time and Attendance Administration
- Manage employee attendance and timekeeping records.
- Monitor leave balances, absenteeism, overtime, and attendance exceptions.
- Ensure approved attendance records are accurately reflected within payroll.
- Investigate attendance discrepancies and implement corrective actions where required.
HR Operations and Administration
- Coordinate recruitment administration and onboarding processes.
- Prepare employment contracts, offer letters, confirmation letters, amendments, and employee correspondence.
- Facilitate employee inductions and onboarding activities.
- Maintain employee personnel files and HR information systems.
- Administer employee benefits, including provident fund, medical aid, and risk benefits.
- Support employee relations processes through the administration of disciplinary, grievance, and incapacity documentation.
- Maintain HR records in accordance with legislative and audit requirements.
- Compile monthly HR metrics, reports, and management dashboards.
- Support learnership, internship, and skills development initiatives.
- Assist with Employment Equity, Skills Development, and B-BBEE administration and reporting.
Compliance and Governance
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and labour legislation.
- Maintain payroll and HR records in an audit-ready state.
- Support internal and external audits.
- Monitor legislative developments and implement necessary payroll and HR compliance updates.
- Identify opportunities to improve payroll, HR administrative processes, and reporting efficiency.
Skills and Knowledge
- Advanced Sage 300 People proficiency
- Strong payroll administration, reconciliation, and auditing capability
- Sound understanding of South African payroll legislation and statutory requirements
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills
- Excellent planning and organisational skills
- Strong analytical, numerical, and problem-solving ability
- High level of diligence with meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and manage sensitive employee information
- Highly focused and deadline-driven
- Ability to multitask and operate effectively under pressure
- Independent decision-making and problem-solving capability
- Strong understanding of HR best practices and employment legislation
- Advanced user of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and HR information systems
- Commitment to continuous professional development
Working Conditions
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Working Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 07:30 - 17:00
- Saturday: 07:30 - 13:00
This is a full-time, office-based position.
