Payroll Specialist

Chiltern Farms has a promising career opportunity for a **Payroll Specialist** reporting to the Group HR Manager with a dotted line reporting to the **Group Financial Manager**. We are a dynamic Agribusiness in the Vyeboom area near Villiersdorp, that practices agriculture in a modern, world-class manner by constantly evaluating operating methods and incorporating technology. We strive to continually improve our Agribusiness to create an extraordinary future. We believe that people are the greatest ingredient in our success. We aim to foster a professional work environment, that and results-focused, whilst retaining our family values.

We aim to attract people who are ethical, professional, enthusiastic, self-motivated, flexible, result-focused, open to learning, and who embrace technology and best practices to make a difference and add value.

The successful incumbent will accurately oversee and manage the payroll, coordinating updates/changes, ensuring on-time accurate payments, and ensuring compliance with company and statutory requirements. The **Payroll Specialist's** duties further include the management of the payroll team and departmental functions, coordinating with finance and other related departments to process payroll for employees, managing payroll schedules, third-party payments (WCA/SDL/UIF/SARS/Medical/Pension Fund) and employee benefits.

**A: Key Performance Areas**:
**Payroll Processing**

Calculate and process employee salaries, wages, piece work, bonuses, and other compensation accurately and on time.

Validate timekeeping records and resolve discrepancies.

Process payroll adjustments, including bonuses, overtime, and deductions.

Assist FM with the calculation of annual profit-share amounts.

General query handling.

Reconciliation of payroll system to financial system

Preparation of payroll journals

Applications for tax directives

Manage and completion of UI19 documentation.

**Tax compliance**

Ensure accurate and timely withholding and remittance of payroll taxes.

Stay updated on tax regulations and make necessary adjustments to ensure compliance, cash, and electronic payment receipts into accounting software daily.

**Benefits administration**

Ensure accurate and timely withholding and remittance of payroll taxes.

Stay updated on tax regulations and make necessary adjustments to ensure compliance.

Review all third-party payments and reconciliations.

Liaise with third-party administrators w.r.t medical aid and pension fund.

Yearly updates on beneficiary information

**Record keeping**

Maintain accurate and up-to-date payroll records.

Prepare and maintain related employee records.

**Compliance**

Ensure compliance with local regulations governing payroll.

Prepare and file payroll-related reports, such as monthly and annual tax returns.(EMP201, WCA, EMP501)

Risk management procedures

**Audit support**

Assist in internal and external audits related to payroll and employee compensation and manage the functions and activities of three administrative clerks and the receptionist.

**Qualification**

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation can be beneficial.

**Knowledge and Experience**

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook)

A minimum of three years experience in a similar role

Experience in the payroll of wages and salaries of 2500+ employees (large payroll)

Proficiency in using Payroll software (Extensive experience on SAGE 300 people payroll will be advantageous)

Good understanding of and working knowledge of all the appropriate Acts (LRA, BCEA, Secretarial determination, OSHA, COID, EEA, SDL), best practices

Advanced Excel skills required & proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

Knowledge and experience of EMP201 returns and EMP501.

Income codes knowledge

Knowledge of Medical aid & pension/provident fund, employee benefits, UIF, SDL & compensation programs.

Journal and reconciliation experience is non-negotiable.

Knowledge of banking electronic payment

Experience with time and attendance software and literate in MS Office, VIP Payroll and Sage 300, and Accpac

At least 3 years’ post article experience (SAIPA)

**Key Competencies**

Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet strict deadlines.

Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex payroll concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle and interpret large sets of data accurately.

High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality when handling sensitive payroll information

Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach.

Ability to work under pressure and be results-driven.

Meticulous and thorough nature or attention to detail

Maintain and build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships with a s