Trainee: Payroll Analyst

Job title : Trainee: Payroll Analyst

The Payroll Analyst Trainee supports the delivery of accurate and timely payroll, benefits administration and people data reporting across Cellulant Group entities. The role provides an opportunity to develop practical experience in payroll operations, statutory compliance, benefits administration and people analytics, working closely with the People & Culture and Finance teams on payroll preparation and reconciliation, employee records, routine employee queries and payroll and people reporting.

What You'll do:

Payroll Processing (40%)

• Support the preparation and processing of payroll for assigned Cellulant Group entities.
• Collect, validate and consolidate payroll inputs including employee changes, allowances, deductions and other payroll adjustments.
• Assist with payroll reconciliations and verification of payroll data before processing.
• Support the preparation of statutory deductions, filings and remittances including KRA, NSSF, SHA and other applicable statutory requirements.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation.
• Assist in identifying payroll discrepancies and follow through on resolution with guidance from the relevant team members.
• Support payroll system updates, testing and process improvement initiatives.

Payroll Administration (35%)

• Respond to routine employee payroll queries and escalate more complex matters where necessary.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date payroll records and documentation.
• Prepare regular payroll reports and reconciliations for review.
• Support the provision of payroll and headcount information required for budgeting and forecasting.
• Assist with tracking People & Culture budget utilisation against approved budgets.
• Support payroll audits by preparing required documentation and validating payroll information.
• Work with People & Culture and Finance colleagues to resolve payroll discrepancies and ensure accurate payroll information.

Benefits Administration (15%)

• Support the administration of employee benefits including health insurance, retirement plans and other company benefits.
• Assist with employee enrolments, benefit changes and exits.
• Respond to routine employee questions relating to benefits and eligibility.
• Liaise with benefits providers on routine administrative matters and follow up on outstanding requests.
• Maintain accurate employee benefits information within the HRIS and other relevant systems.
• Support benefits reconciliations and verification of provider invoices.
• Handle employee and benefits information in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

Payroll & People Analytics (10%)

• Support the preparation of regular and ad-hoc payroll and people reports.
• Assist in analysing payroll costs, headcount, employee movements and other workforce metrics.
• Maintain and update payroll and people dashboards.
• Conduct routine data checks and reconciliations to support the accuracy of people data.
• Assist with preparing workforce information required by People & Culture and business stakeholders.
• Develop practical capability in translating payroll and people data into meaningful insights.

What we are looking for:

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration, Statistics, Economics or a related field.
• Recent graduate or early-career professional with an interest in developing a career in payroll, HR operations or people analytics.
• Basic understanding of payroll, accounting, HR administration or statutory compliance is an advantage.
• Good numerical and analytical skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including formulas and basic data analysis. Knowledge of Pivot Tables and lookup functions is an advantage.
• Exposure to HRIS, payroll or accounting systems through employment, internship or academic work is an advantage.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work with confidential employee and payroll information.
• Good organisation and time-management skills with the ability to work within established deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to learn quickly and take feedback.

Key Competencies: 

• Learning Agility: Demonstrates curiosity, willingness to learn and the ability to quickly develop knowledge of payroll processes, systems and statutory requirements.
• Accuracy & Attention to Detail: Works carefully with numerical and employee data and takes responsibility for checking the accuracy and completeness of work.
• Analytical Thinking: Able to work with data, identify basic trends and discrepancies, and develop capability in payroll and people analytics.
• Operational Discipline: Able to follow established processes, maintain appropriate documentation and deliver assigned activities within agreed timelines.
• Problem Solving: Able to investigate routine discrepancies, ask appropriate questions and escalate issues when support is required.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with People & Culture, Finance, employees and external providers and communicates clearly and professionally.
• Confidentiality & Integrity: Demonstrates discretion and sound judgement when handling sensitive employee, payroll and benefits information.