Senior Payroll Administrator – Spar Vacancies

Job Description

The Senior Payroll Administrator is responsible for the accurate and timely preparation and processing of payroll, ensuring employees are remunerated in full compliance with applicable legislation, collective agreements, and company policies. This role supports payroll integrity, statutory compliance, and effective reporting across the business.

Key Performance Areas

Payroll Processing

• Process salaries for all staff categories, including permanent, fixed-term, and contract employees

• Maintain and update employee payroll records, including onboarding, terminations, transfers, and changes

• Prepare and load EFT files for net salary payments

• Manage leave processing, monitoring, and reporting through the ESS system

• Generate and distribute payslips electronically and in hard copy, and resolve payroll-related queries

• Process annual salary increases and bonus payments

• Prepare and distribute annual IRP5 certificates

• Compile and submit schedules for third-party payments, ensuring accurate processing and payment

• Administer statutory deductions and employee benefits in compliance with HR policies and labour legislation

Bookkeeping

• Prepare and post monthly salary-related journals

• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts

• Process EFT payments for staff expense claims

Compliance

• Submit monthly statutory returns, including UIF declarations to the Department of Labour

• Prepare, submit, and ensure payment of EMP201 returns to SARS

• Complete EasyFile submissions, including EMP501 reconciliations

• Prepare and submit annual COID returns and manage related payments

Reporting and Administration

• Prepare and submit mid-month and month-end payroll reports within deadlines

• Liaise with retirement fund and medical aid administrators

• Assist with annual salary forecasting and budgeting processes

• Perform additional accounting and administrative duties as required

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Matric qualification

• Accounting background with a tertiary qualification advantageous

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in payroll administration

• Payroll qualification or completed payroll-related courses

• Proven, in-depth experience with Sage People 300

• Experience using ESS systems for leave management

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of payroll principles, policies, and procedures

• Sound knowledge of employee tax legislation and statutory requirements

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

• Knowledge of benefits administration, statutory deductions, and third-party payments

• High level of accuracy, speed, and attention to detail

• Strong numerical and literacy skills

• Ability to work to strict deadlines in a high-volume environment

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Proven ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and data security