Payroll Accountant

To deliver timely, accurate and compliant payroll accounting, reconciliation and reporting services, providing support for payroll financial management across the Macquarie University Group.

Bring precision to payroll, shape reliable financial reporting and help deliver services that our whole University community relies on.

Macquarie University is seeking a Payroll Accountant to deliver timely, accurate and compliant payroll accounting, reconciliation and reporting services across the Macquarie University Group.

Reporting to the Manager, Payroll Services, you will play a central part in payroll financial management — from reconciliations and journal entries through to payroll tax, compliance and statutory reporting. This is an opportunity to apply your technical expertise while helping to improve processes and build reliable financial controls across a large and multifaceted organisation.

If you value accuracy, service quality and continuous improvement, this role offers the chance to make a genuine difference across Payroll, Finance and HR.

About the Role

As Payroll Accountant, you will:

• Complete payroll financial reconciliations, journal entries, payroll tax payments and compliance activities, including investigating and resolving payroll discrepancies, reconciliation exceptions and complex payroll-related financial issues.

• Undertake monthly payroll accounting activities in line with financial reporting cycles, including payroll reconciliation, reporting and the management of overpayment debt processes.

• Work with the Manager and the broader Payroll team to help improve payroll financial controls, assurance processes and accountability.

• Support future expansion and ongoing delivery of reconciliation activities across MQ Health, U@MQ and MQSL.

• Prepare Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) submissions in consultation with the Manager.

• Provide payroll accounting advice and support, and prepare payroll-related financial reports, reconciliations and variance analysis for Payroll, Finance and HR stakeholders.

• Identify, recommend and support improvements to payroll accounting, reconciliation and reporting processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy and service delivery.

• Support month-end, year-end and audit activities through the timely and accurate provision of payroll accounting information, reconciliations and supporting documentation.

• Support data integrity across payroll and finance systems by monitoring data quality, identifying and resolving discrepancies, and helping ensure accuracy and consistency.

• Participate in testing of payroll and HR system upgrades, enhancements and patches.

• Comply with EEO, WHS and organisational policies and procedures.

About Us

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community.

This role sits within Corporate Shared Services, working closely with Group Human Resources an d Finance teams, and staff and managers across the University and its entities. You will also engage with external stakeholders including the Australian Taxation Office, superannuation providers, audit bodies and technology vendors.

About You

You are an experienced payroll accounting professional with sound knowledge of payroll legislation and compliance, excellent attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to service quality. You enjoy resolving complex issues, improving processes and building productive working relationships across teams.

Selection Criteria

• Undergraduate qualifications in business, accounting, finance or a related discipline, and/or an equivalent combination of relevant training and professional experience.

• Knowledge and working experience in payroll accounting and payroll operations within a large and complex organisation, including account and data reconciliations, journal preparation, payroll tax, superannuation and statutory reporting.

• Sound knowledge of payroll-related legislation and compliance requirements, including PAYG, payroll tax, Superannuation Guarantee and Single Touch Payroll.

• Experience in debt management processes, including managing payroll overpayments, calculation, recovery, reporting and stakeholder communications, along with investigating discrepancies and analysing financial data.

• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.

• Technical skills including experience using complex HR/Payroll Enterprise Systems (Ascender, Workday and Finance systems highly regarded) and advanced Excel skills.

• Sound organisational skills with the proven ability to manage multiple and competing priorities to meet deadlines, along with clear written and verbal communication skills and experience building effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

Applications Close:  Sunday 6th of September 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST).

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

This role requires a Criminal History Check, a Bankruptcy Check and a Credit Check.

For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Kate Williams, TA Consultant, at [email protected]. 

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

06/09/2026 11:59 PM

​
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.