Payroll Supervisor at ERWAT - Ekurhuleni Water Care Company

Closing Date 28 October 2026

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