Job Description

The Competition Commission seeks a skilled Senior Payroll Compensation and Benefits Officer to join our dynamic Finance Division, with a dotted reporting line to the Human Capital Division.
Reporting to the Financial Manager and with a dotted line to the Chief Human Resources Officer, this critical role will oversee and administer the Commission's payroll, employee benefits, and rewards to ensure fair, compliant, and market-aligned remuneration practices. The successful candidate will also provide expert consultative support to Human Capital on remuneration policies, regulatory compliance, analytics, and benchmarks, and will design and implement fit-for-purpose pay processes that meet evolving business needs.
A starting annual total cost to company package of R 1?035?658,70 (Negotiable commensurate with experience)
Please note that the position is available on a five-year fixed term contract, renewable.
Key Accountabilities
The main responsibilities of the incumbent will, amongst others, include:
Manage Payroll Processes

• Complete and manage monthly payroll processes accurately and on time.

• Process salary payments, structure salaries per policy and legislation, ensure only valid employees are included, and administer third-party payments.

• Review and approve new staff details, overtime calculations, and conduct payroll runs, submitting EFT files as required.

• Ensure timely submission of payroll inputs from HR and other departments by the cut-off date and submit payroll files to the Financial Manager and CFO within agreed timeframes.

• Maintain accurate payroll records and oversee administrative tasks.

Maintain Payroll Information and Reporting

• Perform monthly salary reconciliations, ensuring accuracy of statutory deductions (e.g., PAYE, Medical Aid, Pension).

• Prepare and submit accurate financial and reconciliation reports, management information reports, and payroll documents for audits.

• Coordinate payments and maintain benefit records with service providers.

Provide Payroll Support and Advice

• Offer technical support to employees and management on payroll matters, monitor correctness of payroll administration, and ensure adherence to procedures and legislation.

• Respond to payroll queries with quality service per agreed SLAs.

• Support Human Capital with talent acquisition, salary adjustments, and salary analysis, including conducting salary surveys and benchmarks.

• Drive ad-hoc compensation and benefits projects and audits.

Process Bonuses and Incentives

• Prepare and analyse scenarios for remuneration support during salary negotiations.

• Calculate, process, and coordinate bonus and incentive payments accurately and on time, providing final calculations to HR as required.

Finalise Tax Documentation

• Apply for tax directives, review and approve IRP5 and IRP3 certificates, ensure correct SARS code allocations, perform EMP501 reconciliations, and submit accurate tax information within required timeframes.

• Archive reconciliations in a retrievable system.

Ensure Compliance with Statutory Requirements

• Maintain strict adherence to statutory payroll and benefits regulations, including PAYE, UIF, SDL, and pension/medical aid contributions.

• Identify and mitigate compliance risks proactively.

Manage Staff

• Set and monitor performance targets for payroll staff, ensure skills transfer, conduct performance discussions, and promote productivity while minimising absenteeism and turnover.

Monitor and Implement Remuneration Approach

• Conduct annual market surveys, perform remuneration and benefits benchmarks, and report on market and internal trends.

• Ensure adherence to Compensation and Benefits (C&B) policies, propose remuneration packages, and provide consulting on C&B matters.

• Document and communicate policies, support remuneration structuring, analyse internal parity, and design total rewards statements.

Analyse and Administer Leave Data

• Conduct quarterly leave analysis, process leave transactions accurately, audit balances, generate reports, and administer incapacity leave per policies.

• Follow up on outstanding balances and ensure compliance with leave policies and legal requirements.

Maintain External Stakeholder Relationships

• Coordinate with external role players, act as key liaison on payroll and benefits matters, provide input to strategic initiatives, resolve issues collaboratively, and respond to queries within agreed timeframes.

Deliver Training and Support Tools

• Provide training and tools to HR and Finance teams, maintaining sound professional relationships with stakeholders.

Skills and Experience
We are looking for a dynamic, hardworking and a committed individual who meets the following requirements:

• A completed NQF-Level 7 qualification. A completed NQF-Level 8 will be an added advantage.

• A minimum of 5 years' payroll, compensation and benefits experience, which includes knowledge of basic accounting practices and procedures,?practice methods and techniques of process improvement.

• Minimum 2 - 3 years benefits administration experience.

• Must have conducted salary surveys/benchmarks and have working knowledge of salary grading systems.

• Knowledge of Payroll principles, practices and procedures.

• Proven working knowledge and proficiency of HRIS and Payroll systems.

• Working knowledge of applicable payroll related tax regulations, legislation and guidelines including, but not limited to garnishment, benefits distribution etc.

• Financial competence to perform detailed reconciliations and calculations.

• People management capabilities

Other considerations:

• Research and data analysis skills using high volumes of data from different sources.

• Report writing and dashboard development.

• Computer literacy in all MS Office packages with advanced Excel skills.?

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

• Exceptional mathematical, financial and detailed calculation skills

• Flexibility to work overtime and/or irregular hours.

• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyse, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.? Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.? Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

• Intermediate Numerical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.? Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• High Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Personality and Attributes:
Over and above well-developed technical skills in your specialisation areas, the incumbent must demonstrate, amongst others:

• Fit with the Commission's Values (Communication. Ownership. Making a difference. Professionalism. Employee Welfare. Teamwork. Efficiency High level of integrity and confidentiality.

• Service-oriented mindset with responsiveness to queries.

• Task oriented individual who is simultaneously proactive and responsive

• Excellent planning and organisational skills.

• Apt problem-solving ability.

• Excellent leadership and communication abilities.

We offer:

• Exposure to excellent training opportunities.

• A conducive, supportive, stimulating working environment

• An opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the attainment of the Commission's vision 2030 of a?Competitive, Dynamic, Deconcentrated and inclusive Economy?that serves all South Africans.

Employment Equity:

• Over and above operational requirements, our appointment will take into account the country's and organisational Employment Equity imperatives.

Diversity and Inclusion:

• Persons living with disability are encouraged to apply.

• The Commission is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Application Process:

• All international qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA accreditation certificate.

• Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo psychometric assessments.

• The successful candidate will be vetted for security purposes.

• The Commission reserves the right not to fill this position subject to budget, organisational priorities and other considerations.

Closing Date: 11 July 2025 at 17H00.
If you meet all the criteria above and are looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference to our economy, then look no further than the Commission! We look forward to receiving your comprehensive CV.
?PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. FEEDBACK WILL BE LIMITED TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.
THE COMMISSION RESERVES THE RIGHT NOT TO PROCEED WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF ANY VACANT AND ADVERTISED POSITION.