Payroll Lead

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations

• Oversee end-to-end Australian payroll delivery across weekly, monthly, adjustment and international assignee payroll cycles.
• Review payroll outputs, reconciliations, variances and validations prior to payroll approval.
• Manage payroll-related activities including terminations, redundancies, back pays, salary sacrifice arrangements, novated leases and allowances.
• Maintain employee payroll records and payroll master data with a high level of accuracy.
• Resolve and coordinate payroll-related enquiries across employees, managers, HR and Finance.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with Australian payroll legislation, taxation, superannuation and employment obligations.
• Support adherence to Enterprise Agreements, Modern Awards and internal policies.
• Coordinate payroll controls relating to remuneration review processes, incentives and compensation programs.
• Support internal and external audits, maintaining accurate payroll documentation and reporting.
• Proactively identify and manage payroll compliance and operational risks.

Third-Party Payroll Provider Management

• Act as the primary operational contact for the payroll provider.
• Oversee payroll calendars, data submissions, issue resolution and provider performance.
• Support payroll transition, stabilisation and continuous improvement activities.
• Monitor service levels and escalate payroll issues where required.

Systems, Reporting & Analysis

• Maintain payroll data integrity across payroll systems, HiNext and SAP.
• Support payroll integrations, testing, system enhancements and data validation activities.
• Prepare payroll reporting, labour cost analysis, budget inputs and forecasting data.
• Support annual reporting obligations, including audit and compliance reporting requirements.

About You

Essential Experience

• Demonstrated experience managing complex Australian payroll operations.
• Experience working with outsourced payroll providers and payroll transformation initiatives.
• Strong payroll reconciliation, reporting and audit support experience.
• Proven ability to manage payroll enquiries and stakeholder relationships across multiple business functions.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of:
  • PAYG withholding
  • Payroll tax
  • Superannuation Guarantee
  • Termination payments
  • Portable Long Service Leave
  • Record keeping and statutory reporting requirements
• Understanding of Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements, allowances, overtime and roster arrangements.
• Strong analytical, reporting and problem-solving capabilities.

Systems Experience

• Advanced payroll systems experience.
• Experience with SAP, HiNext or similar enterprise HR and payroll platforms is highly desirable.
• Experience investigating and resolving payroll integration issues across HR, payroll and finance systems.

Personal Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Highly organised with strong stakeholder management capability.
• Customer-focused approach.
• Commitment to confidentiality, compliance and data integrity.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline.

• Payroll accreditation.
• Membership with a recognised payroll professional association.