HR and Payroll Generalist

About the role

The HR and Payroll Generalist will support Unique Personnel by providing expert payroll administration, ensuring statutory compliance, and fostering strong relationships between management and employees. This role combines consultation, advice, and operational efficiency to help the business run smoothly.

Key responsibilities

• Verify new employee documentation and load them onto payroll before the 15th of each month.
• Process terminations accurately and within set deadlines to avoid over‑payments.
• Capture and process salary changes, maternity leave, staff loans, mileage reimbursements, garnishee orders and overtime, ensuring proper authorisation.
• Reconcile payroll accounts monthly (medical aid, provident fund, PAYE, skills levy, GL) and make timely payments to third parties.
• Prepare and submit annual IRP5s to SARS and calculate WCA assessment fees for the Compensation Commissioner.
• Monitor statutory obligations (PAYE, UIF, SDL, WCA) and liaise with finance to ensure on‑time payments.
• Maintain and communicate payroll policies, generate monthly reports on new hires, terminations and transfers, and keep management informed of payroll trends.
• Ensure accurate data entry into the VIP master file and compile quarterly employment statistics for compliance.

Required profile

• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Good knowledge of South African payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with finance, management and staff.
• Analytical mindset for accurate reconciliations and reporting.
• Proactive attitude in providing HR consultation and building employee‑management relationships.

Required skills