Business HR and payroll for bookkeepers are essential for connecting people management with financial accuracy. Payroll is not just about paying employees—it ensures compliance with tax laws, accurate reporting, and staff satisfaction. Understanding HR basics alongside payroll helps bookkeepers support business owners by managing employee records, benefits, and wages seamlessly. This benefits employers, employees, and finance teams by reducing errors, avoiding penalties, and building trust. For growing businesses, mastering HR and payroll processes creates efficiency, compliance, and happier teams—all critical for long-term success.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

Module 1 – Introduction and Basic Concepts

• Why bookkeepers must understand HR and Payroll laws
• South African Legal Framework – the essentials
• Employment contracts and payroll inputs
• Remuneration components & taxable vs non-taxable items
• PAYE (Employees’ Tax) – employer obligations
• UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund)
• SDL (Skill Development Levy)
• COIDA (Compensation of Occupational Injuries and Diseases
• Working time, overtime, public holidays & leave (BCEA Highlights)
• Termination, severance & leave payout
• Employment Equity & large employer obligations
• Payroll recordkeeping & retention
• Payroll process – a practical monthly checklist
• Payroll Accounting Entries
• Common Pitfalls and how to avoid them
• Practical templates to use

Module 2 – Introduction to Business HR

• Why should bookkeepers understand HR
• The role of HR in business
• Key HR Functions
• Recruitment and onboarding
• Employee records Management
• Leave Management
• Employment laws for bookkeepers
• Payroll Fundamentals
• Recordkeeping and HR documentation
• HR Policies and Procedures
• HR Metrics and Reporting
• Practical HR templates to use

Module 3 – Introduction to Business Payroll

• Overview of Payroll
• Payroll Components
• Statutory Payroll Deductions
• Payroll Process Steps
• Timekeeping and Attendance Records
• Payroll Compliance and Legislation
• Payroll Reporting and Recordkeeping
• Handling Special Payroll Situations
• Common Payroll Challenges and Best Practices

Annexures Included:

• Annexure A – Payslip Template
• Annexure B – HR Bookkeeper Toolkit
• Annesure C – BCEA
• Annexure D – LRA
• Annexure E – NMW