Job Details

💼 Job Title: Payroll Administrator
🏢 Company: SMEC
📄 Job Type: Full-Time
🏭 Industry: Engineering / Finance / Payroll
📍 Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
🧑‍💼 Experience Level: Mid-Level

Company Overview

SMEC is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 70 years of experience delivering major infrastructure and energy projects.

Originally founded through Australia’s Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme, SMEC now operates in more than 35 countries. As part of the Surbana Jurong Group, the company combines global expertise with local partnerships to deliver sustainable, high-impact solutions that improve communities worldwide.

Job Overview

The Payroll Administrator will be responsible for managing end-to-end payroll operations across Regional Africa, ensuring compliance with statutory and contractual obligations.

This role focuses on accuracy, compliance, reporting, and reconciliation, making it ideal for a detail-oriented professional with strong payroll and systems experience.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Management

Process payroll accurately for all employees
Ensure compliance with South African tax laws and labour legislation
Capture, validate, and reconcile payroll data
Maintain employee payroll records and confidentiality
Manage payroll systems and resolve employee queries

Month-End & Reporting

Prepare salary payments and payroll reconciliations
Complete statutory reconciliations (PAYE, UIF, SDL, EMP201, EMP501)
Submit monthly UIF declarations
Prepare payroll journals and invoices
Generate month-end and cross-border reports (Namibia & Lesotho)

Compliance & Administration

Perform tax year-end processes and SARS submissions
Ensure timely remittance of third-party payments
Maintain personnel files and payroll documentation
Distribute payslips to employees on time
Identify and implement payroll process improvements

Qualifications

Education

Grade 12 (Matric)
3-year Diploma or Degree in Finance, Payroll, or related field (preferred)

Experience

Strong experience in payroll administration
Experience with Sage People 300 (essential)
Knowledge of South African payroll regulations and tax laws

Skills

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
Knowledge of payroll systems and reconciliations
Excellent time management and organisational skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
High level of integrity and confidentiality

CV Tips

To stand out:

Highlight your experience with Sage 300 / payroll systems
Include knowledge of PAYE, UIF, SDL, EMP201 & EMP501
Show experience with month-end and tax submissions
Demonstrate accuracy in reconciliations and reporting
Emphasise your Excel and data analysis skills

Benefits of Joining the Company

Work for a global engineering and infrastructure leader
Exposure to regional payroll operations (Africa)
Opportunity to grow within a multinational organisation
Inclusive and diverse workplace culture
Career development and learning opportunities

Company Policy

SMEC is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring fair and equal opportunities for all employees.

All hiring decisions are based on skills, qualifications, and experience. If you are not contacted, please consider your application unsuccessful.

To apply for this job please visit surbanajurong.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com.