SPARK Schools is a social impact disruptor and is leading change in the education space through its network of affordable private schools. The SPARK Schools network provides transformational education innovation through Africa’s first blended learning model, which elevates student achievement and provides the tools teachers need to serve their students effectively.
The blended learning model, which combines classroom teaching and online instruction, allows teachers to anticipate student needs and equips schools to provide personalized education at an affordable cost. SPARK Schools is pioneering this transformative education model to ensure the accessibility of university and careers for all.
SPARK Schools has a culture of collaboration, because getting South Africa to lead global education takes a team effort. We are innovators who strive for excellence through persistence and a sense of urgency to achieve SPARK Schools’ vision, mission and social transformational objectives. Our work environment is vibrant/cheerful, fast-paced/dynamic, engaging/stimulating, tech-enabled and data driven.
SPARK Schools is a high growth, mission and values-driven, entrepreneurial organisation, operating 21 primary schools and 5 high schools and serving over 18,000 families in 2025. We are looking for dynamic people to join our team.
Purpose of Role:
To manage and execute payroll functions using Sage 300, ensuring timely and accurate payment of salaries and benefits for approximately 1,550 employees. The Payroll Specialist will also support HR and finance with tax submissions, reconciliations, reporting, and compliance with South African labour and tax laws.
Reports to: Head of Human Capital
Requirements
Responsibilities:
End-to-End Payroll Processing:

• Handle end-to-end payroll processes for the company, including salary calculations, overtime, and benefits using Sage 300. Ensure timely and accurate payroll execution.

Input Gathering:

• Collaborate with the Employee Services Lead to collect accurate payroll data, including any changes to employee status, salaries, or benefits.

Finance Collaboration:

• Collaborate with the finance department for budget alignment and payroll reconciliation, providing monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll data.

Compliance:

• Stay up to date with South African payroll, tax, and labour regulations. Ensure compliance with statutory requirements like PAYE, UIF, and SARS submissions.

Process Improvement:

• Continuously look for ways to improve payroll processes through automation and system enhancements.

Audits & Internal Controls:

• Conduct periodic audits of payroll records, and ensure internal controls to prevent errors and fraud.

Incentive Processing:

• Ensure all employee incentives and bonuses are processed correctly.

Tax Handling:

• Manage complex payroll and personal tax queries, ensuring tax directives are generated where applicable. Prepare bi-annual EMP501 submissions, tax year-end EMP501, and employee tax certificates.

Reconciliations & Reporting:

• Prepare monthly reconciliations and reports, including EMP201 submissions and bi-annual EMP501. Provide detailed reports to executive committees (Exco, Remco) as required, and report to auditors during annual audits.

Reporting:

• Generate payroll reports for internal departments, including finance, HR, and management, and provide insights on payroll costs and trends.

HR Support:

• Assist HR with employee onboarding, updating payroll-related data such as personal details, salary revisions, and benefits information.

Data Management:

• Maintain employee payroll records and ensure data is up-to-date and accurate, including new hires, terminations, and leave balances.

Employee Relations:

• Address payroll-related queries, providing exceptional service and confidentiality in all dealings.

Qualifications and Criteria:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:

• Degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, or HR, or related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of payroll processing experience, specifically with Sage 300.
• Knowledge of South African tax and labour laws.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• Proficiency in Sage 300 and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle complex payroll and tax issues.
Strong analytical skills and ability to work under tight deadlines.

SPARK values: Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility, Kindness
Benefits
SPARK offers:

• fair market linked remuneration

• performance-based annual bonuses and increases

• above average/good annual leave

• life, disability and funeral cover

• employee wellness support

• educational support & study leave

• individualised professional development, support and mentorship

• employee discount on school fees

• opportunities for career growth

Remuneration: Commensurate with skills and experience/market value
Position Type: Permanent/Full Time
Location: Rosebank, Gauteng
SPARK schools is an equal opportunities employer and preference will be given to candidates from designated groups with due consideration of the company’s Employment Equity goals and targets.
SPARK schools encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
SPARK Schools may expire the posting of this advertisement at their own discretion.
Kindly note that should you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date please consider your application unsuccessful.