Competitive annual package, plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
Full-time, fixed term appointment for 8 months
Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
Strengthen payroll integrity, drive governance excellence, and shape how a leading university supports its people
Are you a payroll professional who thrives at the intersection of compliance, data analysis, and process improvement? Macquarie University is looking for a Payroll Governance Specialistr to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of our payroll operations. This is more than a transactional payroll role — it's a chance to lead meaningful governance, remediation, and audit activities that directly impact how we support thousands of staff across the University.
Sitting within our Shared Services – Human Resources team, you'll work closely with the Manager, Payroll Services to manage key payroll projects, implement audit controls, and ensure compliance across a complex landscape of enterprise agreements, modern awards, and employment legislation. If you're passionate about getting the details right while keeping an eye on the bigger strategic picture, this role offers the scope and autonomy to make a genuine difference .
About the Role
In this role, you will be a trusted advisor and subject matter expert in payroll governance, risk management, and compliance. Your key responsibilities will include:
Developing payroll governance frameworks in compliance with enterprise agreements, modern awards, relevant employment legislation, organisational policies, and controls
Managing ongoing remediation activities including data analysis, change management, communication support, and reconciliation activities
Implementing audit controls and actions in line with audit recommendations
Supporting key payroll system changes including Ascender (Apay) upgrades, EOFY system changes, and system updates
Investigating complex pay-related enquiries and resolving them within agreed timeframes
Assisting with mass changes including EA increases, modern award rate updates, leave loading year-end processes, and payments
Preparing and distributing reports for internal and external stakeholders, including auditors
Driving ongoing analysis and review of Payroll services and processes to identify opportunities for improvement, informed by customer data and service performance metrics
About Us
Macquarie University's Professional Services portfolio delivers first-class services to our students and staff, driving exceptional customer experience and service excellence. Our Shared Services function is an integral part of a modern, customer-centric service model built on strong disciplines including service management, continuous improvement, automation, and analytics. At the heart of Shared Services are our people and our service culture, which empowers all staff to deliver optimal outcomes and take accountability for their individual and team development .
About You
You are a detail-oriented payroll professional with deep expertise in payroll governance, compliance, and complex payroll operations. You bring a proactive, analytical mindset and enjoy working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to deliver outcomes that matter.
Selection Criteria:
Undergraduate qualifications in business, accounting, human resources, or a related discipline, and/or an equivalent combination of extensive relevant training and professional experience in a payroll specialist or advisor role
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in complex payroll operations, including Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements, superannuation, PAYG, payroll tax, and Single Touch Payroll
Proven experience in pay-run operations, payroll accounts reconciliations, preparation of payroll journals, and recovery of overpayments
Demonstrated experience in payroll governance activities, audit controls, and compliance frameworks
Strong technical skills including experience with complex HR/Payroll enterprise systems (experience with Ascender/aPay and Workday is highly regarded)
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities
Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) with a commitment to exceptional service delivery and productive stakeholder relationships
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: Thursday 26th of February at 11:59 (AEST)
We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.
For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Jim Frazer, Manager, Payroll Services - .
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, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work 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,, 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.
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.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage our personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, explore our Candidate Resource Hub.