Junior Payroll Officer

The Takealot Group, a prominent player in South Africa's e-commerce landscape, is seeking an enthusiastic Junior Payroll Officer to become part of their bustling Cape Town operations. As a rapidly expanding organisation, Takealot thrives on attracting motivated, innovative, and dedicated individuals who possess a strong sense of integrity. They foster a vibrant and challenging work environment, offering a remuneration package designed to be adaptable to individual needs, ensuring that employees are consistently engaged and contributing to the company's ambitious growth trajectory.

About the role

This position is integral to the smooth functioning of the Takealot Group's human resources department, with a specific focus on payroll administration. The Junior Payroll Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring that all employee data is accurately captured and processed within strict service level agreements. The role requires meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to managing HR documentation and processes. Beyond core payroll duties, there will be opportunities to contribute to broader HR initiatives, offering a well-rounded experience for an aspiring HR professional.

The Junior Payroll Officer will be responsible for a range of administrative and processing tasks essential to the payroll function. Key duties include:

• Processing new employee appointment documentation efficiently and within agreed timelines.
• Assisting in the coordination of HR information, communication, and training sessions as needed.
• Liaising effectively with benefit service providers to ensure seamless administration.
• Accurately loading employee profiles onto the payroll system.
• Maintaining organised filing systems for all HR-related documentation.
• Establishing and diligently maintaining employee records, ensuring all changes are accurately and promptly updated.
• Processing termination documentation in accordance with company procedures and legislative requirements.
• Managing the processing of any soft benefits offered by the company.
• Providing support for various HR administration tasks and projects as they arise.

What they're looking for

To excel in this role, candidates will need a solid foundation in HR administration with a specific focus on payroll. Essential qualifications and experience include:

• A Grade 12 certificate, with a demonstrated proficiency in Mathematics at this level being a prerequisite.
• A Diploma in Business Management or Human Resources, or an equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in an HR administrative role, with direct exposure to payroll administration being critical.
• Proven experience working with time and attendance systems.
• Familiarity and practical experience using Employee Self-Service (ESS) platforms.
• A good understanding of relevant South African labour legislation, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Skills Development Act (SDA), PAYE (Pay As You Earn), and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (WCA).
• Sufficient accounting knowledge to perform basic journal entries and reconcile payroll accounts.
• Strong general computer skills, with proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective interaction with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Robust problem-solving abilities to address and resolve HR and payroll-related queries.
• The capacity to thrive in a dynamic and potentially unstructured work environment, adapting to diverse cultural settings.
• An exceptional level of attention to detail is paramount for accuracy in all tasks.

In South Africa, a Junior Payroll Officer role typically forms a vital part of an organisation's HR or finance department. While specific remuneration packages vary widely based on company size, industry, and the exact scope of responsibilities, this position often serves as an entry point into a specialised HR career. Growth prospects can lead to Senior Payroll Administrator, HR Generalist, or even specialised HRIS (Human Resource Information System) roles. Employers range from large retail organisations like Takealot to manufacturing firms, service providers, and government entities across the country.

• Grade 12 (with mathematics at this level a requirement) and Businesss Management / Human Resources Diploma or equivalent
• At least 1 – 2 years’ experience in an HR admin role with specific experience in a payroll administration environment
• Experience with time and attendance systems is required
• Experience working on ESS
• Knowledge of relevant, South African legislation (BCEA, UIF, SDA, PAYE, WCA)
• Accounting knowledge sufficient to perform journal entries and payroll account reconciliations
• Strong computer skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem solving skills
• Ability to work in an unstructured environment with diverse cultures
• Detail-obsession
• MS Office