Donna Ellis

Experienced Payroll Manager with over 20 years of progressive experience in payroll, HR administration, finance, bookkeeping, and hospitality management. Currently responsible for managing the payroll function for 32 companies and approximately 1,400 employees while leading a team of four payroll administrators. Highly skilled in South African payroll legislation, SARS compliance, payroll system administration, payroll reporting, audits, and employee benefits administration.

Proven ability to manage complex multi-company payrolls, lead payroll restructures, improve processes, and ensure complete legislative compliance while maintaining exceptional accuracy and confidentiality. A proactive leader with excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills who consistently delivers payroll services on time and to the highest standard.

Payroll Manager at Haven Health Management (2018-01 – Present)

Manage the complete payroll function for approximately 1,400 employees across 32 companies while supervising a team of four payroll administrators.

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multiple legal entities.
• Supervise and develop four payroll administrators.
• Manage ERS clocking system administration.
• Process salaries, wages, overtime, allowances, commissions and bonuses.
• Ensure payroll accuracy and timely payroll processing.
• Process statutory and voluntary deductions.
• Manage leave administration and termination payments.
• Complete EMP201 submissions.
• Perform EMP501 reconciliations.
• Generate IRP5/IT3(a) certificates.
• Resolve SARS payroll queries and audits.
• Reconcile payroll with the General Ledger.
• Prepare payroll costing and management reports.
• Administer pension, provident fund and medical aid contributions.
• Forecast payroll costs and assist with budgeting.
• Maintain payroll systems including PaySpace, VIP Payroll and Sage.
• Implement payroll process improvements and automation.
• Develop payroll policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with: Income Tax Act, Tax Administration Act, BCEA, Labour Relations Act, Skills Development Act, UIF Act, POPIA.
• Liaise with Finance, HR, SARS, auditors and executive management.
• Lead payroll integration during company restructures and mergers.
• Maintain strict payroll confidentiality and internal controls.
• Successfully manage payroll for over 1,400 employees across 32 companies.
• Maintain exceptional payroll accuracy and statutory compliance.
• Lead payroll restructuring and payroll integration projects.
• Deliver accurate payroll reporting for executive management.
• Ensure successful EMP501 reconciliations and SARS submissions.
• Maintain excellent audit outcomes through strong payroll governance.

HR / Payroll Administrator at PE Hotel Group (2013-01 – 2018-12)

Responsible for payroll processing, HR administration and employee records.

Senior Bookkeeper (Pumba Private Game Reserve) at PE Hotel Group (2013-01 – 2013-06)

Responsible for bookkeeping, reconciliations and financial administration.

HR / Payroll Administrator at PE Hotel Group (2010-01 – 2013-12)

Managed payroll administration, HR documentation and payroll compliance.

Group Credit Controller / Payroll Backup at PE Hotel Group (2008-01 – 2010-12)

Managed group debtors while providing payroll support and payroll processing assistance.

PA to Operations Manager at PE Hotel Group (2007-01 – 2007-06)

Provided executive administrative support and operational coordination.

Group Credit Controller at PE Hotel Group (2004-01 – 2007-12)

Managed debtors, collections and customer accounts across the group.

PA to Group Projects Manager at PE Hotel Group (2003-01 – 2004-12)

Provided project administration and executive support.

Front Office Manager – Marine Hotel at PE Hotel Group (2001-01 – 2003-12)

Managed front office operations, guest services and staff supervision.

Reservationist at PE Hotel Group (2001-01 – 2001-05)

Banqueting Coordinator at PE Hotel Group (2001-01 – 2001-06)

Reservationist at PE Hotel Group (1999-01 – 2001-12)

Receptionist – Marine Hotel at PE Hotel Group (1998-01 – 1999-12)

Matric – Commercial High School