Location: Gunnedah, NSW
Contract Type: Full Time, 35 hours per week (with RDO every 3 weeks) - Part-Time/Flexible Working Hours may be available to the successful applicant
Salary Range: Grade 11 ($ $ per week + 12% Superannuation and annual award increases.
Application Deadline: 11:59pm, Sunday 15 March 2026
A council truly passionate about community
Gunnedah Shire Council is an integral part of the Gunnedah community, a vibrant, warm and friendly town surrounded by the expansive Liverpool Plains and framed by the Nandewar Ranges. At Gunnedah Shire Council we are committed to providing a friendly and helpful service to all stakeholders. We are dedicated to Gunnedah being a liveable and accessible community for all ages and demographics. Additionally, as a council we are proud to promote economic and business development in the region.
We are not only invested in the people of Gunnedah, we are also heavily invested in its employees and their future careers.
Are you passionate about payroll, have excellent attention to detail and enjoy working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders?
Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking a motivated and collaborative payroll professional to join the finance team
Looking for a tree change? Enjoy a rural community lifestyle
Flexible Work Hours available to suit your work-life balance
Fantastic opportunity to advance your career in a vibrant local community
Receive an attractive salary up to $81,000/year (depending on experience/qualifications) PLUS super and salary packaging options
Additional benefits include relocation assistance for the right applicant, a paid rostered day off every three weeks, ongoing professional development opportunities and negotiable flexibility
Our Next Payroll & Accounting Officer
Reporting to the Coordinator Financial Accounting, you will be responsible for providing high quality, professional payroll and financial accounting services to Council's Internal & External Customers and allocating resources effectively and efficiently ensuring compliance to all legislation, strategies, policies, plans of Council and responsibilities in a timely manner.
Key Responsibilities
Control and deliver all information relating to Council's payroll function in accordance with all relevant legislation, Council policies, management directives and procedures in a confidential, accurate, timely and complete manner.
Calculate, process, reconcile and report on all associated payroll tasks including, but not limited to deductions, allowances, leave, superannuation, salary sacrifices, taxation and terminations.
Manage and maintain employee records including employee Masterfile database and electronic records.
Assist in the preparation and lodgement of various taxation returns to meet legislative requirements including but not limited to BAS, FBT, and Payroll Tax.
Interpretation and keep up to date Application's of Legislative requirement such as Taxation, Long Service Leave, Superannuation, Fringe Benefits Tax, Payroll Tax but excluding interpretation of the LGSA (State Award).
Undertake tasks in a manner that ensures complete and accurate financial records are captured and maintained within the appropriate systems and in accordance with Legislation, Council Policies, Management Directives and Procedures.
Process documents, develop and maintain written procedures, prepare correspondence and maintain complex spreadsheets as required.
Manage completion of returns and surveys including but not limited to payroll and grants commission returns and others as required.
Assist in the completion of annual statutory financial reports and returns as required.
Utilise expert knowledge to provide analysis and reporting of financial data to/for internal customers.
Provide ongoing maintenance and review of appropriate systems and processes for the capture and management of Council's statutory financial records, taxation obligations and internal reporting capabilities
Provide assistance and relief to staff in the Finance department of Council as required and undertake other tasks as required to meet the desired outcomes of the department. (For Example: Bank Reconciliation, Journal entry).
Provide professional advice and assistance as required.
Provide quality administration support as required.
Key Requirements
Demonstrated experience working in payroll and/or a finance environment – at least 3 Years
Well-developed skills in the application of Microsoft Excel software and financial software packages.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Willingness to learn and work within a team environment as well as independently.
Well-developed organisational skills to work autonomously and manage time and priorities effectively.
Well-developed negotiation, problem solving skills and customer service experience to manage enquiries and complaints with sensitivity and confidentially.
Personable character with the ability to develop professional relationships with co-workers and other stakeholders.
A commitment to continuous improvement principles.
A commitment to modelling positive behaviours, consistent with the GSC Values.
While not required, desirable characteristics of a successful candidate could include:
Certificate 3 in Finance or equivalent
Tertiary qualification in Finance, Business or Commerce or working towards same
Working knowledge of the Local Government (State) Award, Long Service Leave Act, Fringe Benefits Tax legislation and Payroll Tax.
No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you
Why Join Gunnedah Shire Council?
Some of the benefits working for Gunnedah Shire Council include:
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community.
Receive annual award salary increases with potential for further increases during performance appraisal cycles.
35 hours per week.
Rostered day off every 3 weeks.
Long service leave after 5 years.
Salary packaging and salary sacrificing options available.
Access to 2 Health and Wellbeing days annually.
Supportive and dynamic work environment.
Professional development and career growth opportunities.
4 weeks annual leave.
Access to employee wellbeing programs.
Active social club
For further information regarding this role please contact Kylie McDonald, Manager Finance, on or see the Position Description
How to Apply
Please read the Position Description by clicking on the link above. It is important to read this carefully to understand what the job involves.
No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you
If this sounds like you, click the Apply button below, complete the application form. Please ensure you answer all questions and upload a current resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role, as well as any copies of relevant qualifications that support your application.
Only candidates with current Australian work rights (Australian citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens with a current passport, valid work visa) will be considered.
Further information
As part of the recruitment process, suitable applicants will be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol screening. Our recruitment process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.
Email notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, request for references, and application outcomes. Please check your email regularly, including your junk email.
Council is an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidate of all ages and from all backgrounds.
For all enquiries regarding the application and recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on or