Junior Payroll Accountant

Key Responsibilities Payroll Accounting & Journals * Prepare payroll journals for weekly, monthly and fleet payrolls. * Process payroll-related General Ledger entries. * Check salaries, wages, bonuses and deductions for accuracy. * Ensure payroll transactions are correctly reflected in the General Ledger. * Identify and assist with correcting payroll posting discrepancies. * Maintain appropriate supporting documentation for payroll journals and adjustments. Payroll & General Ledger Reconciliations * Prepare regular payroll-related General Ledger reconciliations. * Reconcile payroll control and balance sheet accounts. * Investigate reconciling items and follow up on outstanding differences. * Assist with resolving payroll accounting discrepancies. * Ensure payroll accounts remain accurately reconciled and supported. Statutory Payroll Administration * Assist with the preparation and reconciliation of EMP201 submissions. * Support the EMP501 reconciliation process. * Reconcile PAYE, UIF and SDL amounts. * Assist with payroll tax and statutory payment reconciliations. * Ensure payroll information is accurately maintained for statutory reporting purposes. Third-Party Payments & Benefits * Prepare and reconcile payroll-related third-party payments. * Reconcile medical aid contributions. * Reconcile pension and provident fund contributions. * Reconcile garnishee and other payroll deductions. * Follow up on discrepancies relating to third-party payments. * Ensure payments agree to payroll records and supporting schedules. Payroll Variance Analysis * Review payroll reports and identify unusual movements or discrepancies. * Compare current payroll information to previous periods where required. * Investigate payroll variances and obtain supporting information. * Escalate unresolved or material discrepancies to the relevant manager. Audit & Finance Support * Prepare payroll reconciliations and supporting documents for audit purposes. * Assist with payroll-related audit queries. * Maintain accurate payroll accounting records and supporting documentation. * Assist with correcting identified payroll accounting errors. * Support the Payroll and Finance teams with ad hoc payroll accounting requirements. Minimum Requirements * BCom in Finance / Accounting, or currently studying towards a relevant finance qualification. * Approximately 2–4 years’ relevant payroll accounting, payroll finance or payroll reconciliation experience. * Hands-on experience preparing payroll journals and General Ledger entries. * Practical experience with payroll and balance sheet reconciliations. * Working knowledge of PAYE, UIF and SDL. * Exposure to EMP201 and EMP501 reconciliations. * Experience reconciling payroll-related third-party payments. * Strong Excel skills. * Good numerical ability and attention to detail. * Able to investigate and resolve discrepancies. * Comfortable working with confidential payroll and employee information. * Able to work accurately within payroll and month-end deadlines. Advantageous * Experience using Sage 300 / Sage 300 People. * Previous experience working within a finance or payroll accounting team. * Exposure to weekly and monthly payroll environments. Skills & Competencies * Payroll accounting. * Payroll reconciliations. * General Ledger reconciliations. * Payroll journals. * Statutory payroll knowledge. * Third-party payment reconciliations. * Advanced Excel. * Numerical accuracy. * Attention to detail. * Problem solving. * Deadline management. * Confidentiality. * Teamwork and communication. Ideal Candidate Profile This position would suit someone who has already gained practical payroll and finance experience and is now looking to build further experience within a structured payroll accounting environment. Candidates may currently be working as a: * Payroll Accountant * Junior Payroll Accountant * Payroll Finance Clerk * Payroll Administrator with strong finance and reconciliation exposure * Payroll Reconciliation Clerk The position is hands-on and operational rather than managerial, and would be best suited to someone with 2–4 years’ relevant experience who is still developing their payroll accounting career. O'Brien Recruitment Recruiter