Payroll / HR and Sars Compliance Officer - Worcester

Our client is seeking an experienced and solutions-driven Payroll, HR & SARS Compliance Officer to take ownership of payroll delivery, HR administration, statutory compliance and client service.This is more than a processing role. We are looking for a confident, accountable professional with strong leadership potential who can take ownership of processes, support and guide colleagues and clients, identify areas for improvement and progressively take on greater responsibility.The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring accurate payroll and HR administration while driving professional service delivery, process improvement and compliance excellence. This position offers excellent scope to develop into a senior or leadership-level role. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Payroll Leadership & Service Delivery Take ownership of accurate and timely weekly and monthly payroll processing. Manage full-function payrolls, including shifts, overtime, allowances, deductions and employee changes. Ensure payroll deadlines and service standards are consistently achieved. Act as a key point of contact for payroll, benefits, leave and employee-related queries. Provide professional guidance and practical solutions to payroll and HR queries. Review payroll processes and identify opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency and service delivery. Take responsibility for resolving issues and following them through to completion. SARS & Statutory Compliance Prepare, reconcile and submit monthly EMP201 declarations via SARS eFiling. Complete biannual EMP501 reconciliations and generate IRP5/IT3(a) certificates using SARS e@syFile. Process monthly UIF declarations via uFiling. Coordinate annual COIDA submissions. Maintain accurate compliance records and ensure statutory deadlines are met. Monitor legislative and compliance requirements relevant to payroll and HR. HR Administration & Employee Support Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in line with POPIA requirements. Administer employment contracts, onboarding documentation and employee movements. Manage medical aid, provident fund and funeral scheme administration. Ensure third-party benefit payments reconcile accurately to payroll. Assist with disciplinary processes, hearings and CCMA matters, including administration and representation support. Provide practical guidance on HR processes while ensuring alignment with the LRA, BCEA and Income Tax Act. Support effective employee relations and professional service delivery. Employment Equity, Skills & Legislative Submissions Coordinate the administration and preparation of annual Employment Equity submissions. Manage Workplace Skills Plans (WSP) and Annual Training Reports (ATR). Liaise with relevant SETAs and ensure submissions are accurate and completed within prescribed deadlines. Maintain supporting documentation and compliance records. LEADERSHIP & PROCESS IMPROVEMENT A key aspect of this position is the ability to step beyond administration and demonstrate leadership . The successful candidate will be expected to: Take ownership of payroll and HR processes from start to finish. Provide guidance and support to colleagues and clients. Become a trusted point of reference for payroll, HR and compliance matters. Identify inefficiencies and proactively recommend better ways of working. Assist with implementing improved systems, controls and procedures. Help develop and standardise payroll and HR processes. Take initiative rather than waiting to be instructed. Demonstrate sound judgement when dealing with sensitive employee and client matters. Build strong professional relationships and confidently manage expectations. Take on increasing responsibility as the business and role develop. Demonstrate the potential to progress into a Senior Payroll / HR or Team Leadership position . MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Grade 12 / Matric. Recognised qualification in Payroll Administration, Financial Accounting, Human Resources or a related field . 3–5 years' practical experience in full-function payroll, HR administration and statutory compliance. Strong working knowledge of Sage Payroll , preferably Sage 300 People or Sage VIP Premier (SBCPP). Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Knowledge of Zoho People will be highly advantageous. Proven experience with SARS eFiling, e@syFile and uFiling . Working knowledge of South African employment legislation and statutory requirements. Experience with EMP201, EMP501, IRP5/IT3(a), UIF, COIDA, EE and WSP/ATR submissions. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES We are looking for someone who is: Confident and capable of taking ownership A natural leader with the ability to influence and guide others Highly organised and deadline driven Numerically accurate and analytical Solutions-oriented and proactive Professional and service focused Able to work independently while contributing positively to a team Discreet and trustworthy when dealing with confidential information Comfortable dealing with clients, employees and management Able to handle pressure and resolve problems calmly Interested in career growth and developing into a more senior leadership role Please email your CV through to annemie@vinerecruitment.co.za with a photo, salary expectation, location and availability