HR & Payroll Generalist

About the role

The HR & Payroll Generalist will support the business by providing expert payroll administration, ensuring statutory compliance and delivering accurate HR reporting. This role bridges finance and HR functions to maintain smooth employee lifecycle processes.

Key responsibilities

• Load new employee data onto payroll before the 15th of each month and process terminations on schedule.
• Capture and process transfers, salary changes, maternity leave, staff loans, mileage reimbursements and garnishee orders.
• Record overtime only after proper authorization to minimise financial risk.
• Reconcile payroll accounts monthly (medical aid, provident fund, PAYE, SDL, GL) and remit payments to third parties before the 7th.
• Prepare and submit annual IRP5 returns to SARS and WCA assessment fees to the Compensation Commissioner.
• Monitor statutory and benefits obligations, liaising with finance to ensure timely PAYE, UIF, SDL and WCA payments.
• Produce monthly reports on new hires, terminations and job transfers for management planning.
• Respond to payroll queries within 24 hours and coordinate with benefits administrators as needed.
• Maintain accurate VIP master file data and compile quarterly employment statistics for compliance.

Required profile

• Strong knowledge of South African payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Effective communication skills for interaction with management, employees and external partners.
• Proactive approach to risk mitigation and compliance monitoring.

Required skills

• Experience with the VIP payroll system.