Payroll Specialist

Purpose of the Role

The Payroll Specialist ensures accurate, compliant processing of payroll in accordance with South African Labour law, relevant Bargaining Council collective agreements — specifically the National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector (NBCPSS) and the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industry (NBCEI) — as well as statutory requirements (SARS, UIF, COIDA) and internal policies

Key Responsibilities

1. Compensation Management & Financial Analysis

· The Payroll Specialist ensures accurate, compliant processing of payroll in accordance with South African labour law, relevant Bargaining Council collective agreements — specifically the National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector (NBCPSS) and the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industry (NBCEI) — as well as statutory requirements (SARS, UIF, COIDA) and internal policies.

2. Payroll Processing & Compliance

· Process accurate and timely payroll for all employees, including security officers, engineers, artisans, and contract personnel.

· Ensure adherence to Bargaining Council Collective Agreements:

· NBCPSS Main Collective Agreement minimum wage thresholds, allowances, overtime, leave pay, and deductions for the private security sector.

· NBCEI wage and benefit tables, collective bargaining levy (CBL), pension/provident funds, sick benefit funds and designation codes as required under NBCEI provisions.

· Apply appropriate sector-specific remuneration rules, including shift differentials, standby allowances, and statutory benefit contributions.

3. Statutory & Bargaining Council Compliance

· Administer statutory deductions and filings:

· PAYE, UIF, SDL, COIDA, and relevant SARS submissions (EMP
201, EMP
501).

· Maintain compliance with Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and relevant sector determinations where applicable (e.g., security sector minimum conditions via NBCPSS).

· Ensure participation and compliance with Bargaining Council requirements for registered employers (e.g., collective bargaining levies, dispute resolution procedures, and reporting obligations).

· Ensure adherence to labour laws, tax regulations, and statutory requirements (PAYE, UIF, SDL).

4. Data Maintenance & Systems

· Maintain comprehensive and secure payroll records, including employee classifications aligned to Bargaining Council designations.

· Administer employee master data in payroll systems and integrate with time & attendance platforms.

· Prepare monthly payroll journals and ensure accurate GL reconciliations.

5. Reporting, Reconciliation & Audits

· Produce detailed management reports by project, division, or contract.

· Reconcile payroll outputs with financial records, including Bargaining Council contributions and levies.

· Support internal and external audit activities with documentation demonstrating compliance to collective agreements and statutory mandates.

6. Employee & Stakeholder Engagement

· Respond professionally to payroll enquiries from employees and management.

· Advise on Bargaining Council minimum standards and payroll implications resulting from changes to NBCPSS/NBCEI agreement

7. Qualifications & Experience

· Diploma/Degree in Payroll Management, HR, Finance, Accounting, or related field.

· 3–5 years payroll experience in South Africa, ideally with exposure to security and engineering sectors.

· Strong understanding of Bargaining Council collective agreements, especially NBCPSS and NBCEI provisions.

· Strong understanding of cost-to-company structures, payroll principles, and tax laws

· Comprehensive knowledge of South African payroll legislation and statutory compliance

· Advanced Excel and strong financial modelling skills

8. Skills & Competencies

· Exceptional accuracy, attention to detail and data integrity.

· Ability to interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements correctly.

· Advanced payroll software proficiency (e.g., Sage VIP, Pastel Payroll, VIP, etc.).

· Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with employees and compliance bodies

· Strong analytical and financial interpretation skills.

· High attention to detail and numerical accuracy.

· Sound understanding of remuneration structures and statutory requirements.

· Excellent communication and professional stakeholder management.

· Confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information.

· Proficiency in MS Excel, HRIS systems, and payroll platforms.