Payroll manager (richmond)

The Payroll Manager will manage REA Group's end‐to‐end payroll function for Australia, optimising outcomes for the business and ensuring compliance with all employment tax and regulatory requirements. The role also involves overseeing payroll for our international operations as required.

The Payroll Manager sits within the People & Culture team and reports to the GM Reward and Workplace Relations.

• Responsible for the day‐to‐day management and governance of the payroll operations and compliance, including management of third‐party relationships.
• Leadership and people management of the Payroll SME resources (2 direct reports).
• Lead role in the management of our SaaS vendor Ramco.
• Governance on system changes that affect payroll calculations and outputs, including wage code creations, system configuration to meet IR pay conditions, and other system changes based on SME input.
• Identify system improvements in consultation with the SME, prepare test scripts for systems testing and implementation, and liaise with other system/module owners for integrated testing and delivery.
• Lead strategic and change‐management initiatives to improve the payroll function, including developing streamlined processes, procedures, forms, configuration improvements, integration projects, audit and risk‐management projects, and reviewing payroll procedures in line with best practices.
• Ensure payroll data is sampled and checked in line with agreed processes, and that actions arising from inconsistencies are progressed, managed or delegated as required.
• Manage business ad‐hoc reporting requirements to maintain data integrity, review regular reports for accuracy, confirm business needs are met, and deliver on time.
• Provide effective leadership to ensure the payroll team is cross‐trained and aware of accountabilities and contributions to organisational outcomes.
• Create a climate for the development of the payroll team and a culture of continuous improvement to enhance payroll processes and system effectiveness.
• Work and engage with key stakeholders across the business to improve and develop payroll system functionality and capability.
• Oversee year‐end payroll reporting requirements and audits, including liaison with auditors.
• Stay abreast of changes to legislative, award, ATO, and EBA provisions and manage implementation to ensure compliance.

• Relevant degree associated with employment taxes and payroll is preferred but not essential.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with sensitivity to understand audience needs and adapt style accordingly.
• Detailed understanding of payroll best practices and compliance.
• Effective vendor relationship management to ensure a win‐win outcome.
• Proactive approach to project management and influencing change.
• Significant payroll experience, approximately 8‐10 years.
• Previous experience in a people leadership role.
• Payroll compliance knowledge, including sound employment tax and industrial relation knowledge.
• Experience managing offshore payroll, in‐house or via third‐party providers.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and relationship‐building skills.
• Experience gathering requirements and translating them into specific improvements.
• Experience in the design and improvement of business processes.