Payroll Supervisor

To supervise and coordinate the accurate, timely and compliant administration of ERWAT's payroll function by ensuring that employee remuneration, statutory deductions, employee benefits and third-party payments are processed in accordance with applicable legislation, approved policies, collective agreements, financial controls and payroll governance requirements while maintaining the integrity, confidentiality and accuracy of payroll information.

Payroll Processing and Administration

• Oversee and execute the full payroll cycle (monthly, weekly, and/or bi-weekly).
• Ensure accurate calculation of salaries, leave pay, standby allowances, shift pay, and any variable earnings.
• Review and approve payroll reports before final sign‑
• Manage and oversee the end-to-end process, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of employee remuneration and payroll-related transactions, including:
• New appointment and terminations.
• Promotions and associated remuneration adjustments.
• Salary increases and annual remuneration changes.
• Overtime calculations and payments.
• Employee allowances and benefits administration.
  
• Leave administration and accurate processing of leave-related payroll transactions.
• Verify payroll inputs and maintain employee payroll records to ensure accuracy and completeness
  

Compliance and Statutory Requirements

• Ensure payroll complies with:
• South African tax laws (SARS)
• PAYE, UIF, SDL, and COIDA
• Bargaining council requirements (where applicable)
• Employment and labour law legislation
• Prepare and submit statutory returns: EMP201, EMP501, UIF declarations, IRP5/IT3(a) certificates.
• Prepare and submit annual Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Disease Act (COIDA) returns.
• Monitor compliance with statutory and regulatory payroll requirements and report non-compliance risks as required.
  

Payroll Controls, Audit and Reconciliations

• Perform payroll reconciliations including salary control accounts, tax deductions, benefits, pension funds, medical aid, third-party payments and General Ledger accounts.
• Prepare and review monthly payroll reconciliation reports and resolve variances.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies relating to salaries, deductions, benefits, allowances, overtime and payroll adjustments.
• Calculate and reconcile payroll provisions and accruals including bonuses, leave pay and employee-related liabilities.
• Monitor payroll interfaces between payroll and financial systems to ensure data integrity and accuracy
• Ensure payroll transactions are accurately recorded and balanced within the financial records.
  

System, Reporting and Data Management

• Maintain, administer and enhance payroll systems to ensure system integrity and operational efficiency.
• Manage payroll system upgrades, testing, configuration and implementations.
• Develop and maintain payroll dashboards and management reports for EXCO, Board and senior management.
• Generate payroll reports including cost-to-company analyses, payroll variances, overtime trends, labour cost reports and workforce analytics.
• Conduct payroll costing exercises and financial impact assessments for organisational restructuring and remuneration scenarios.
• Prepare monthly payroll, executive remuneration, director remuneration, leave and bonus reports.
• Perform payroll analytics and provide data-driven insights to support budgeting, forecasting and workforce planning.
• Ensure the secure handling and protection of payroll data in compliance with POPIA and information security requirements.
• Continuously improve payroll reporting through technology and automation initiatives.

Payroll Governance and Internal Controls

• Establish, maintain and monitor an effective payroll control framework to ensure payroll integrity and accuracy.
• Implement and enforce segregation of duties within payroll processes.
• Manage payroll audit readiness through the maintenance of supporting documentation, audit trails and control evidence.
• Coordinate and support internal and external audits by providing reconciliations, payroll records and responses to audit queries.
• Identify, assess and mitigate payroll-related risks through the implementation of appropriate controls and monitoring processes.
• Ensure adherence to organisational financial controls and governance requirements.
• Conduct regular control reviews and assessments to identify weaknesses and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures and standard operating practices.
• Contribute to the development and review of remuneration and payroll policies.
• Investigate payroll irregularities, control breaches and compliance exceptions and implement corrective measures.
• Address audit findings and monitor the implementation of corrective action plans.
• Maintain payroll documentation for governance, audit and compliance purposes
  

Payroll Governance and Internal Controls

• Establish, maintain and monitor an effective payroll control framework to ensure payroll integrity and accuracy.
• Implement and enforce segregation of duties within payroll processes.
• Manage payroll audit readiness through the maintenance of supporting documentation, audit trails and control evidence.
• Coordinate and support internal and external audits by providing reconciliations, payroll records and responses to audit queries.
• Identify, assess and mitigate payroll-related risks through the implementation of appropriate controls and monitoring processes.
• Ensure adherence to organisational financial controls and governance requirements.
• Conduct regular control reviews and assessments to identify weaknesses and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures and standard operating practices.
• Contribute to the development and review of remuneration and payroll policies.
• Investigate payroll irregularities, control breaches and compliance exceptions and implement corrective measures.
• Address audit findings and monitor the implementation of corrective action plans.
• Maintain payroll documentation for governance, audit and compliance purposes.
• Provide guidance and training on payroll controls, governance and compliance requirements.
  

People Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage the team to ensure high performance, accountability, and professional growth.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for all team members.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and implement development plans.
• Monitor team workload, allocation of resources, and capacity to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Provide guidance and support to team members in handling complex matters across the organisation.
• Address disputes that may arise within the team and other Departmental areas in the organisation.
  

Process Improvement

• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline payroll operations and improve efficiency.
• Improve payroll processes, workflows and service delivery standards.
• Monitor and enhance process controls to minimise payroll errors and variances.
• Recommend and support the implementation of automation and digital solutions
  

Requirements

Degree (NQF Level 7) in Accounting, Payroll, Finance, Financial Management, Commerce, or related field.
Five (5) years’ experience in a payroll role with payroll systems
Two (2) years’ experience as a supervisor
Two (2) years’ experience as a supervisor
Strong knowledge of SA Payroll legislation, tax rules, and employee benefits
Payroll Certification (e.g. Payroll Association of South Africa)
Knowledge of Paterson grading system