Introduction

The position of Payroll Associate is vacant. The Payroll Associate will report directly to the Payroll Specialist and will form part of the Corporate Services Division. The position is based at the Head Office in Pretoria.

An annual total cost to company package will apply, between R 460,907 and R576,206 based on the Scheme’s Remuneration Policy and dependent on the candidate’s skills and experience.

The closing date for applications will be Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Payroll Associate will be required to support the Payroll Specialist through the implementation of the following Key Performance Areas (KPAs):

• Assist in the accurate and timely administration of the GEMS payroll function.
• Capture, verify, and process all payroll inputs in SAGE 300 People (new appointments, terminations, benefits, overtime, and deductions).
• Validate and reconcile payroll data before monthly approval and ensure correct statutory and benefit deductions.
• Maintain payroll master data in compliance with Scheme policies and legislation.
• Support HR in implementing annual salary review processes and bonus administration.
• Verify data for payroll imports related to increases, adjustments and benefits changes.
• Promote a responsive, confidential, and service-oriented culture within Payroll.
• Support the Payroll Specialist in preparing and submitting statutory returns, including EMP201, EMP501, and IRP5s.
• Provide analytical and administrative support on remuneration and benefits processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and data integrity in accordance with POPIA and payroll best practices.
• Assist with payroll audits, reconciliations, and report generation.
• Support the implementation of system upgrades, data integrity reviews, and payroll process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and internal stakeholders to ensure accurate and efficient payroll delivery each month.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualification Requirements

• Minimum of NQF Level 5 - National Higher Certificate or Certificate in Human Resource. Management, Payroll Administration, or a related discipline (Finance).
• Experience with HRIS is essential.
• Experience in SAGE 300 People payroll system would be highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 2–3 years’ payroll administration experience in a medium to large organisation.
• Strong knowledge of South African payroll and tax legislation (PAYE, UIF, SDL, COIDA, BCEA, POPIA).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HR/payroll data management systems.

Skills

• Sound understanding of end-to-end payroll processing and reporting.
• Ability to manage high volumes of data accurately and on time.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills to support reconciliation and reporting.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to handle confidential salary information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Good communication and customer service skills when engaging with employees.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Accountability and Ownership: Takes responsibility for payroll outputs and deadlines.
• Integrity and Ethical Conduct: Maintains confidentiality and high ethical standards.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in capturing and validating payroll data.
• Professionalism: Interacts respectfully and with discretion across the organisation.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Works effectively with HR, Payroll, and Finance teams.
• Adaptability: Responds well to process, system, or legislative changes.
• Planning and Organisation: Prioritises tasks effectively to ensure payroll accuracy.
• Customer Focus: Demonstrates service excellence toward internal stakeholders.

Desirable

• Experience working within the Medical Aid or Healthcare industry.
• Exposure to employee benefits administration (medical aid, pension funds, etc.).
• Experience with HRIS system integration and payroll automation initiatives.

Package & Remuneration

An annual total cost to company package will apply, between R 460,907 and R576,206 based on the Scheme’s Remuneration Policy and dependent on the candidate’s skills and experience.

Interested?

• GEMS employs people with the highest level of integrity – submission to the appropriate pre-employment assessment is obligatory to be considered for the position.
• Kindly note that the information provided on application of the position may be shared with a third party for vetting purposes and will be stored by GEMS for a period of 5 years.
• Kindly note that information is required for Recruitment and Selection Process Purposes, and information gathered is strictly used according to the intended purpose of collection, unless there is a legal need or permission is granted from the applicant themselves to make use of it for other purpose
• Should you wish to have your information removed from the GEMS database, kindly send a request in writing to jobs@gems.gov.za.
• GEMS adopts a hybrid work model.
• An internal employee must be in their current role for at 12 months before they will be considered for other vacancies within the    Scheme.
• GEMS reserves the right not to proceed with an appointment
• GEMS is guided by the principles of employment equity. Preference will be given to groups who are underrepresented in accordance with the GEMS employment equity plan.
• Successful candidates will be required to seek approval to conduct other work outside of GEMS.

GEMS Employees are required to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the organisation's paramount values: Excellence, Member Value, Integrity, Innovation, and Collaboration.