Senior Payroll Specialist

Title:

Senior Payroll Specialist

At KBR – We do things that matter.

We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 38,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in over 29 countries.

KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.

Think.KBR.com

KBR in Australia

With over 65 years working on some of Australia’s largest and most complex projects, KBR has unmatched experience supporting the nation’s critical infrastructure, energy transition and national security priorities. KBR has around 2,000 employees throughout Australia, who are focused on delivering innovative technology and engineering solutions for a safer, more secure and sustainable future.

Learn more about KBR in Australia  

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

The Opportunity:

Join KBR as a Senior Payroll Officer and take ownership of a payroll function within a complex, fast-paced environment. In this role, you’ll oversee a dedicated team while driving accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across end-to-end payroll operations. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity where you can influence continuous improvement, partner with key functions, and make a meaningful impact on payroll excellence.

This is a 12-month fixed term opportunity and can be based in either Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney or Brisbane.

Responsibilities:

• Support, mentor, and develop the payroll team, ensuring high performance, growth, and strong customer service delivery.
• Oversee accurate and timely delivery of all payroll cycles, including complex calculations (terminations, redundancies, adjustments, superannuation).
• Maintain strong governance, audit readiness, and compliance with legislation, awards, and internal controls.
• Act as the SME for Workday, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics, leading system enhancements, integrations, and testing.
• Drive continuous improvement, automation, and standardisation of payroll processes.
• Build strong relationships with People & Culture, Finance, Tax, and external vendors.
• Provide expert payroll advice and communicate the impact of legislative or system changes across the business.
• Lead payroll‑related projects, system implementations, and organisational change initiatives.
• Develop payroll reporting, insights, and metrics to support strategic decision‑making.

As the ideal candidate you will bring:

• Strong experience in a payroll leadership or senior specialist position.
• Relevant qualifications in Payroll, HR, Finance, or Business.
• Demonstrated expertise in Workday, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics payroll environments.
• Strong understanding of Australian payroll legislation, taxation, superannuation, and compliance frameworks.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities, and deliver outcomes under pressure.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a commercial mindset.
• Demonstrated project management capability, including planning, execution, and change management.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.

What we will offer you:

• A workplace culture certified as a Great Place To Work
• Flexible working
• Competitive salary (including annual reviews)
• Paid parental leave
• Income protection
• Corporate rewards
• Salary packaging/Novated leasing
• Employee stock purchase plans
• Flu shots, skin checks and discounted private health insurance
• Career development: Online learning, mentorship and career pathways

If you’re ready to shape tomorrow, let’s get started. Apply Now!

Please note. Shortlisting will take place as applications are received, therefore the advertisement may close early if a suitable candidate is identified.

As a Major Service Provider of the Australian Defence Force, an AGSVA security clearance will be required and compliance to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). As such, our hiring decisions are based on the key requirements of each role and candidates are selected based on their unique strengths and experiences.

Notice to Third Parties/Recruitment Agencies: KBR Australia does not accept unsolicited resumes or any liability associated with fees or costs from recruitment agencies, search firms or third parties who have not been engaged directly on this job opportunity. Candidates interested in applying are welcome to submit their application online.