* Competitive annual package, plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
* Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years
* Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
Strengthen payroll integrity, drive governance excellence, and shape how a leading university supports its people.
Are you an experienced payroll professional who thrives at the intersection of compliance, data analysis, and process improvement? Macquarie University is looking for a Payroll Governance Specialist to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of our payroll operations. This is more than a transactional payroll role — it requires deep experience in payroll operations and offers the opportunity to lead meaningful governance, remediation, and audit activities that directly impact how we support thousands of staff across the University.
Sitting within our Corporate 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. You'll work with senior stakeholders across the University, requiring strong communication, the ability to influence decisions and confidence presenting complex payroll information with clarity.
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, compliance and payroll operations. 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, stakeholder 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.
* Stakeholder engagement across key Payroll activities including preparation and presentation of recommendations.
About You
You are a detail-oriented and highly experienced 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. You excel in fast-paced environments, managing multiple priorities while building strong, proactive relationships with senior stakeholders.
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 managing large, 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), including the ability to engage, influence, and present complex payroll information to senior stakeholders with a commitment to exceptional service delivery.
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: Wednesday 25th of March at 11:59pm (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 Kate Williams, Talent Acquisition Consultant ()
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
* 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.
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 their 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.
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