Payroll Bookkeeper - SPARK Schools Support

About SPARK Schools

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.

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

ABOUT THE ROLE

Purpose:

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 Bookkeeper 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

Responsibilities:

• Manage general payroll administration activities.
• Import payroll information into the system accurately and efficiently.
• Reconcile payroll data to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare and distribute monthly payroll reports.
• Upload bank files for payroll processing.
• Conduct systems administration related to payroll software.
• Prepare audit documentation for both internal and external auditors.
• Complete SARS submissions for mid-year and year-end reporting.
• Handle Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COID) Return of Earnings (ROE) submissions.

Accounting Functions:

• Process monthly journal entries.
• Perform cash book reconciliations.
• Reconcile payroll accounts on a monthly basis.
• Collaborate with the finance department on all payroll-related reconciliations and transactions.

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:

• Minimum 3-5 years of payroll processing experience, specifically with Sage 300.
• In-depth knowledge of SARS and BCEA legislation and requirements.
• Degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, or HR, or related field (advantageous).

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• Proficiency in Sage 300 (back-end to front-end) and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to handle complex payroll and tax issues.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work under tight deadlines.

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.