SPARK Schools Head Office

To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications.

“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”.

Credit Control Lead (2IC) – SPARK Schools Support Office – 2024/2025

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 provide 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 16,000 families in 2024. We are looking for dynamic people to join our team.

Requirements

Purpose of the Role:

Working as a Team Lead will require effective delegation, management and performance monitoring, as

well as overseeing projects and supervising day to day implementation and execution. The Credit Control

Lead will play a key role in the day to day tasks of the Credit Control Team.

The Credit Control Lead must ensure smooth running of accounts and encourage timely recovery of payments,

in order for all necessary expenses to be paid.

To build and maintain close links with all stakeholders.

The role will also entail building a fit for purpose Credit Control operating model that accounts for current

and future service delivery requirements by systemising processes and reducing business risk where

possible.

The Credit Control Lead will act as a single point of contact for the Credit Control Team, including the

handling of all their queries or challenges with a sense of urgency, while also required to take ownership

and be accountable until a resolution is reached or achieved. It will be expected of this person to execute

quickly and achieve quick turnaround times for; customer related queries.

Reports To: Credit Control and Billing Manager

Responsibilities:

● Managing a fast-growing debt collection and accounts receivable team.

● Providing oversight of arrear account management and ensuring prompt follow-up and resolution.

● Authorising accounts for legal handover and preparing necessary documentation for further

action.

● Reporting to the Credit Control and Billing Manager on debt collection status and overdue

accounts, ensuring timely updates and escalation where needed.

● Advising on improvements to debt collection practices and processes to enhance efficiency and

effectiveness.

● Overseeing account reconciliations to ensure accuracy and proper adjustments.

● Assisting with the collection of outstanding accounts through both telephonic and written

communication as required.

● Assisting with resolving customer queries, and ensuring clear and helpful communication to

maintain strong relationships.

● Managing administration and communications with customers/parents through the SPARK

Schools accounts parent portal.

● Collaborating with other internal departments to gather the necessary information and correct

customer accounts as needed.

● Ensuring invoicing and statements run smoothly.

● Recons for accounts receivable GL accounts

● Manage month-end process for closing off accounts receivable and reporting where necessary

● Refund processing

● Run collection campaigns

● QA on calls and emails

● Assist with account query escalations and collections where needed

● Ticket query management

● Evaluating team KPIs to ensure objectives are met and performance standards are upheld.

● Actively participating in and driving your own professional development, seeking opportunities for

growth and skill enhancement.

● Conducting oneself in a professional manner at all SPARK events and in interactions with all

stakeholders.

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

● Matric/Equivalent

● Computer literacy

● Credit control/debt collection background

● Corporate debt collection is an advantage

Experience:

● At least 3 years experience in the above role, of which 2 years related to managing teams

Skills and Mindset:

● Ability to manage a team in a fast growing environment

● Ability to participate as a team member and achieve agreed objectives

● Ability to manage relationships effectively

● Excellent spoken and written communication skills

● Ability to work under pressure, multitask and prioritise

● An assertive but tactful manner

● Calmness under pressure

● An organised and methodical approach

● The ability to work on strict deadlines and targets.

● Good negotiation skills

● The ability to explain financial matters firmly and clearly

● Basic accounting Knowledge ­ figure orientated

● Administrative and computer skills

● Excellent work standard and ethics

● Self­motivated with a strong drive to deliver

● Able to problem solve

SPARK Values: Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility and 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

Compensation: Commensurate with experience/Market related

Position Type: Full Time/Permanent

Location: Rosebank, Gauteng

• SPARK Support office, 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.

School Achievement Manager (Primary Schools) – SPARK Schools Support – 2025

Description

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:

The School Achievement Manager is responsible for the instructional and stakeholder experience outcomes of the schools in their designated region. The primary role of the School Achievement Manager is to manage, coach, and support the Principals of the schools in their designated region, with emphasis on excellence in scholar achievement, school culture, professional and leadership development, and staff, parent, and scholar experience.  

School Achievement Managers work closely with the functional teams in SPARK Support, SPARK Schools’ central office, to ensure excellent service to the schools and network-wide alignment in decision-making and execution. School Achievement Managers are integral to SPARK Schools’ culture and our commitment to rigorous, engaging learning experiences for SPARK scholars.

This is a position for a person who understands what it means to own their portfolio, who has a mature, realistic, understanding of their capabilities, and who has the confidence in their ability to deliver against demanding expectations.  This role works closely with the Network Operations Manager, Human Capital team, Efficacy team, and school leaders.

Reports To: Head of Primary Schools

Requirements

Manage and Coach Principals

• Work with and through Principals and school leadership teams to drive scholar achievement and productive, positive school cultures.
• Use a regular coaching cycle to build strong relationships with Principals that enable the leaders to meet their performance targets and model effective coaching to their own school leadership team.
• Use research-based coaching practices in coaching leaders and work with the Head of School Achievement to codify SPARK Schools coaching and management practices.
• Use leadership tools and surveys to best assess leader strengths and areas of growth.
• Use scholar achievement and stakeholder experience data to determine goals with each leader and monitor progress toward goals.
• Hold Principals to academic, professional, ethical, and other performance standards.

Develop and Implement Professional and Leadership Development

• Collaborate with fellow School Achievement Managers, the Efficacy team, and the Human Capital team to plan and implement leadership development opportunities for current and future school leaders.
• Collaborate with all departments in SPARK Support, in order to build and maintain relationships between school leaders and the Support office.
• Develop Assistant Principals as instructional coaches alongside Principals. 
• Advise Principals as they coach and develop their school leadership team and Trailblazers (prospective school leaders) to ensure the strength of SPARK Schools’ internal leadership pipeline.

Assume Accountability for Scholar Achievement and Stakeholder Experience

• Maintain a regular schedule of school visits to monitor and evaluate instruction and employees, parent, and scholar experience, as well as identify the highest leverage region-wide and school-specific action steps for implementation.
• Collaborate with fellow School Achievement Managers to develop and implement standards, assessment, and performance metrics for instruction and stakeholder experience.
• Ensure alignment of cultural and instructional practices across the network, in line with SPARK Schools practices, policies, and core values.

• Serve as a primary liaison between teams in SPARK Support and school leadership, to ensure clear and distinct lines of communication and accountability.
• Attend coaching 1:1s with the Head of School Achievement and regular team meetings with the School Achievement Managers and Efficacy team.
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.
• Enforce compliance with ethical standards guided by the company values and mission.
• Update job knowledge by participating in conferences and educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:

• B.Ed. or PGCE
• SACE accreditation
• At least 3-5 years of experience leading leaders and/or a team of leaders in school management and instruction with proven  record of high achievement
• Experience and practice with labour law

Competencies:

• Critical thinking skills applied to strategic planning, data analysis, collaborative problem-solving, and confident decision-making.
• Professional, clear, and concise written and verbal communication, which can be tailored by the audience and brief.
• Ability and willingness to take initiative, in order to drive one’s own development and team leadership in a fast-paced environment;
• Calm and resilience to lead self and others through challenges;
• Strong organisational skills that allow a detail-oriented approach, while maintaining a “big picture” view.
• Ability to consolidate feedback in order to clearly communicate highest leverage action steps.

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

Compensation: Commensurate with experience/Market related CTC

Location: Rosebank, Gauteng

• SPARK Schools Support

Position Type: Full Time

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.

Financial Accountant (Temporary contract) – SPARK Schools support – 2024

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 provide 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 16,000 families in 2024. We are looking for dynamic people to join our team.

Requirements

Purpose of Role:

The primary purpose of a financial accountant is to manage and analyze an organization’s financial position. They play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial information, which is essential for making informed business decisions.

Reports To: Financial Manager

Responsibilities:

•  Uploading payments to FNB and ABSA bank
•  Processing bank payments in Xero
•  Reconciling the bank accounts to the bank statement 
•  Processing credit card receipts in Xero
•  Reconciling the credit card accounts to the credit card statements 
•  Preparing and distributing credit card reconciliation to respective users and line amanagers 
•  Updating the cash flow statements
•  Managing the company Uber account
•  Billing the Uber account in Xero
•  Billing the rental invoices
•  Reconciling the creditors statement 
•  Distributing budget vs actuals to users
•  Liaising with schools and providing variances

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:

• Preference will be given to newly qualified CA(SA) candidates
• Bachelor of Commerce Degree majoring in Financial Accounting
• 3 years experience in financial accounting
• Experience in Xero accounting
• FNB and ABSA administration and payment processing. Creating and maintaining beneficiaries 

Competencies:

• Customer orientation.
• Analysis/problem solving.
• Quick thinking/learning. 
• Team work.
• Communication.

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

Compensation: Commensurate with experience/Market related

Position Type: Three month Limited Duration Contract

Location: Rosebank, Gauteng

• SPARK Support office, 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.

Head of Marketing – SPARK Schools – Support Office – Rosebank

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.

Reports To: South Africa Managing Director (SA MD)

Purpose of Role: 

The Head of Marketing role is responsible for driving revenue generation and enhancing SPARK Schools’ brand presence by overseeing all marketing, communications, and digital lead generation strategies. Whilst this role focuses heavily on digital marketing to ensure effective customer acquisition and long-term growth, the incumbent will require a broad understanding of marketing with the ability to independently create the appropriate strategy in line with the business aspirations.   The goal is to maintain full school enrollment and build a strong, credible reputation within SPARK’s surrounding communities through innovative and data-driven marketing campaigns.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

Marketing Strategy & Objectives:

1. Define and execute marketing strategies to support SPARK Schools’ growth objectives, with a significant focus on digital platforms.
2. Set annual marketing goals that align with business objectives, ensuring digital marketing is central to both customer acquisition and retention.

Digital-First Go-to-Market Strategies:

1. Lead go-to-market strategies for new product launches, services, and campaigns with a focus on digital channels (SEO, SEM, social media, email marketing, and performance marketing).
2. Collaborate with creative and media agencies to develop omnichannel marketing strategies that drive digital lead generation and customer acquisition.

ATL and BTL Campaigns:

1. Develop and execute Above-the-Line (ATL) and Below-the-Line (BTL) strategies that integrate traditional and digital marketing approaches.
2. Continuously analyze and optimize campaign performance, ensuring high ROI from digital channels and strategic use of data analytics.

Customer Journey Management:

1. Full ownership of the end-to-end customer journey across awareness, exploration, and consideration stages, with a focus on digital touchpoints.
2. Ensure proper implementation and optimization of digital tools, including the SPARK Schools website, CRM, email automation, and data-driven customer insights.

Digital Performance & Analytics:

1. Oversee the creation and maintenance of dashboards to track key digital marketing metrics and KPIs (e.g., conversion rates, cost per lead, and traffic sources).
2. Leverage marketing analytics to make real-time decisions and optimize digital strategies.

Team Leadership & Development:

1. Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing marketing team, with specialized roles in digital marketing, data analytics, and content creation.
2. Align the team’s growth with SPARK’s expanding footprint, ensuring continuous learning in digital tools and strategies.

Market Trends & Competitor Analysis:

1. Stay on top of the latest digital marketing trends, competitor strategies, and consumer behaviors to ensure SPARK remains competitive.
2. Apply insights from market research, with a strong focus on digital channels, to inform and adjust marketing tactics.

Budgeting & Resource Allocation:

1. Manage and allocate the marketing budget with a focus on optimizing spend on digital channels.
2. Ensure efficient tracking of digital campaign performance to make data-informed financial decisions.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

1. Build strong relationships with internal departments, including Product, Sales, and IT, to ensure alignment of marketing initiatives, particularly in digital lead generation and website optimization.

Reporting & Communication:

1. Provide regular reports on marketing performance, with an emphasis on digital results (e.g., online engagement, lead generation, digital ROI).
2. Communicate effectively with senior leadership on key marketing strategies, wins, and opportunities, focusing on the impact of digital marketing.

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent qualification in Business Administration, Marketing, Advertising, Commerce or related field
• Post-graduate/Master’s Degree advantageous

Competencies:

• 10+ years of experience building, scaling and leading high-performance marketing teams – 5 of which must be at a senior or executive level 
• Track record of demonstrable success in overseeing both marketing functions in a single organisation
• Previous P&L responsibility 
• Experience overseeing market research is non-negotiable

Skills and Mindset:

• Strategic-thinker 
• Strong closing skills
• Team player who thrives at helping team members succeed
• Excellent communication skills
• Exceptional analytical skills – the ability to analyse real-time data and adjust marketing efforts in response to that data 
• Ability to keep Return on Investment (ROI) top of mind at all times
• Proactive

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:

Market related CTC Plus annual discretionary performance linked bonus

Position Type: Full Time/Permanent

Locations: Rosebank, Gauteng

SPARK Support Office, Rosebank

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.

Sales Team Lead (Temporary) – SPARK Schools Support

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 is a high growth, mission and values-driven entrepreneurial organisation, operating 21 primary schools, 5 high schools and serving over 15,500 families in 2024. We are looking for dynamic people to join our team.

Reports To: Sales Manager

Purpose:

As a Sales Team Leader, you will be responsible for leading and motivating a team of sales representatives to achieve sales targets and deliver exceptional customer service. You will play a key role in coaching, mentoring, and developing your team members to maximize their potential and drive revenue growth.

Responsibilities:

Team Leadership:

• Lead, motivate, and inspire the sales team to meet and exceed sales targets.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback to team members.
• Conduct regular team meetings to discuss strategies, goals, and performance metrics.
• Monitor team performance against sales targets and KPIs.
• Analyze sales data and provide insights to improve sales processes and strategies.
• Implement corrective actions when necessary to ensure goals are met.

Sales Strategy and Planning:

• Oversee and answer inbound calls from customers, parents regarding all new enrolment

queries.

• Actively grow existing enrolment numbers, manage and report on new enrolments,

transfers and attrition

• Collaborate with the Sales Manager to develop and execute sales strategies.
• Resolve customer complaints and issues in a timely and satisfactory manner.
• Update respective account information on CRM and other relevant platforms utilised

in fulfilling the required tasks

• Provide quality customer service on every request for information and clearly

communicate with customers, parents, academic and school operations staff

• Be a strong brand ambassador who can deliver exceptional service to customers, parents,

academic and school operations staff

• Deliver memorable positive experiences for every prospective parent and stakeholders
• Act as a subject matter expert on all enrolment and admissions related processes and

procedures

• Work directly with the Sales Team to ensure opportunities are converted and scholars are

placed in their respective grades and schools timeously

• Pro-actively defuse problems or issues and provide feedback to the respective teams

impacted or affected

• You will be tasked with enhancing customer satisfaction levels, loyalty, advocacy and

positive word of mouth

• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK events and with all stakeholders.
• Promote the vision and mission of SPARK Schools Support to SPARK Schools Support

staff and SPARK Schools staff, scholars, families, and the greater community.

• Actively participate in School Open Days

Requirements

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:

• Matric/Grd 12 Certificate
• 2-3 years of call center experience in a sales environment as a leader
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills;
• Outstanding customer service skills and dedication to providing exceptional customer

care;

• Must be self-motivator and self-starter;
• Focus on quality and customer service;
• Must adapt well to change and successfully set and adjust priorities as needed;
• Must be proficient with computer skills;
• Bi-lingual a plus

Experience:

• Proven experience in sales, with a track record of meeting or exceeding targets.
• Previous experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Proficient in using CRM software and sales analytics tools.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Valid driver’s license (Optional)
• At least two years working closely with the HR team to maintain and enhance the companies human resources by planning, implementing and evaluating employee relations and HR policies, programs and practices

Personal Skills:

• Exceptional listening and analytical skills;
• Solid time management skills;
• Must be able to effectively deal with people at all levels, inside and outside of the

company;

• Creative ability and writing proficiency
• Ability to multitask and successfully operate in a fast paced, team environment;

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

Position Type: Limited duration/Fixed Term contract.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience (Associate level)

Location: SPARK Support, Rosebank

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.

Payroll Specialist – SPARK Schools – Support

Description

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.

Click here to apply

All the best with your applications