Job Description

Title of PositionAdministrative Officer: Payroll (Contract)Post NumberSD93Faculty/DepartmentUniversity of the Western Cape -> Human ResourcesType of PositionFixed Term ContractLength of Contract Period1-Year ContractLocationMain Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)Closing Date5/3/2025Role Clarification & Key Performance AreasADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER: PAYROLL
(Contract for period: 01 April 2025 to 31 December 2025)The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic institution with a strong presence on the African continent and an increasing global reach. UWC actively engages with the country's development needs within an ever-changing global context through critical and creative responses.The Human Resources Department plays a strategic role in supporting the University's People Strategy, which focuses on transformation, continuous improvement, and innovative HR solutions. HR is committed to enabling and facilitating processes that support transformational leadership at all levels of the University.This position reports to the Manager: Payroll and is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll documents. The incumbent will provide effective and efficient payroll support to the HR Department and the broader UWC community. The ideal candidate must be highly detail-oriented, possess strong organisational skills, and have a solid understanding of payroll processes.Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll data, including salary payments, deductions, and benefits;
• Coordinate and manage staff documentation related to payroll processing, ensuring compliance with internal policies and statutory requirements;
• Oversee payroll document management, maintaining accurate records and ensuring confidentiality;
• Upload and process Work-Study student payments and tuition deductions in alignment with institutional guidelines;
• Approve and process staff rebates, ensuring accuracy and compliance with University policies;
• Liaise with SARS, external governmental agencies, and financial institutions to ensure compliance with tax regulations and other statutory obligations;
• Assist in conducting payroll system audits to identify and correct discrepancies.
• Provide training and support to internal staff members on payroll systems, procedures, and relevant policies;
• Collaborate with the Finance Department to ensure proper reconciliation of payroll-related accounts;
• Address payroll-related inquiries and concerns from staff and other stakeholders in a professional and timely manner;
• Keep abreast of changes in payroll legislation, tax regulations, and best practices to ensure compliance and efficiency.

Minimum RequirementsTo qualify, you will need:

• A relevant post-matric qualification in Accounting, Payroll, or a related specialist discipline (equivalent to NQF Level 6);
• At least two (2) years of experience in payroll administration.

Added advantage:

• Relevant working experience in a Higher Education Institution in South Africa;
• Professional accreditation by the South African Rewards Association (SARA), Certified Payroll Practitioner (SAPA), or an equivalent payroll/accounting professional body;
• Experience using payroll software systems such as ITS, SAP, or PeopleSoft;
• Knowledge of South African tax laws, statutory payroll regulations, and employee benefits administration.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines;
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in processing payroll information;
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with employees, management, and external stakeholders;
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team-oriented environment.

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.

University of the Western Cape