JOB BRIEF
We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Assurance Consultant / Senior Payroll Administrator to support the lead payroll processing, system optimisation, and team support for mining operations, ensuring accurate, compliant payroll delivery via SAP ECC6 for complex shift-based workforces. This is a client secondment role through SoluGrowth, focused on the payroll delivery within the mining sector to drive efficiency, mentor juniors, and manage high-stakes reconciliations in a high paced mining environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee end-to-end payroll cycles in SAP ECC6 (HCM Payroll, Time Management), including mass uploads, validations, and processing for 5,000+ employees with mining-specific elements like danger pay, shift allowances, and production bonuses.
- Supervise time & attendance and leave management processes, resolve complex disputes, audit data accuracy, and integrate with biometric/clocking systems.
- Mentor and train junior administrators; allocate tasks and ensure team adherence to deadlines and standards.
- Perform advanced reconciliations, forecasting, and reporting (e.g., cost per employee, SARS/UIF/ SDL submissions);
- identify and implement process improvements to reduce errors and processing time.
- Act as escalation point for employee/supervisor queries, providing expert guidance with superior people skills in a unionized, multicultural mining setting.
- Ensure full compliance with BCEA, MHSA, POPIA, and company policies.
- Support internal/external audits.
- Drive payroll best practices.
- Stay abreast of legislative changes and mining industry trends.
- Contribute to system upgrades and cross-functional projects (e.g., with IT/Finance).
- Review payroll calculations before final sign-off.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- Matric (Grade 12) plus relevant qualification (e.g., Payroll Association of South Africa diploma or equivalent); degree in HR/Finance advantageous.
- 5+ years' payroll experience in mining/industrial sectors, with advanced SAP ECC6 expertise (HCM modules, custom configurations).
- Proven track record in time & attendance systems, leave management, and high-volume payroll processing.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel pivot tables/VBA, Power BI for reporting, Word/PowerPoint).
- Supervisory experience essential.
- Minimum 3 years of full-function payroll experience in a BPO or shared services environment (will be to your advantage).
- Understanding of shift-based payroll, allowances, and overtime calculations common in mining environments.
CORE COMPETENCIES & ATTRIBUTES
Behavioural Competencies
- Unwavering accuracy and analytical mindset for error-free handling of intricate mining payrolls.
- Strong willingness to learn and adapt to evolving systems and regulations.
- Outstanding people skills, including leadership, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management across hierarchies.
- Resilience under pressure, with proactive problem-solving in shift-intensive operations.
- Ability to supervise payroll teams under tight deadlines.
- Problem solving and query resolution.
- Collaborative and team oriented.
Technical competencies
- Sound understanding of SARS legislation and statutory compliance (PAYE, UIF, SDL, COIDA)
- Ability to investigate and resolve PAYE and statutory payroll queries reflected on employee payslips.
- Good knowledge and understanding of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act
- Ability to validate and explain payroll calculations reflected on employee payslips.
- Advanced SAP ECC6 proficiency, including troubleshooting, custom reports, and system optimizations.
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including reconciliations, payroll data analysis, and reporting.
- Mining sector knowledge advantageous
Other requirements
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive Cost to Company (CTC)
- Benefits:
- Medical Aid with Discovery Health
- Risk Benefits (Funeral, Group Life & Disability) – after 24 months of employment.
- Contract term: 18 to 60 months, depending on the client deliverables and project completion.
Employment Equity
The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.
