**Job Summary:**
The Group Payroll Officer will work closely with the entire Group Payroll team and other key business stakeholders, reporting directly to the Group Financial Controller. This role requires expertise in managing complex payroll processes across multiple entities and awards, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and company policies.
This position involves skilled interpretation of employment contracts, administering superannuation and payroll tax obligations, and maintaining accurate employee records.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong proficiency in payroll systems, with a keen focus on data integrity, process improvement, and delivering timely and accurate payroll outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
* Process end-to-end payroll for wholly owned entities within Australia, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
* Ensure compliance with statutory obligations, including PAYG, superannuation, payroll tax, and other relevant legislation.
* Interpret and apply employment contracts, modern awards, and industrial instruments to calculate correct entitlements, leave, and termination payments.
* Prepare and lodge Single Touch Payroll reports in line with ATO requirements.
* Manage payroll system updates, including new starters, terminations, salary changes, and leave adjustments.
* Reconcile payroll-related accounts and prepare reports for month-end and year-end processing.
* Administer superannuation contributions and coordinate with external providers to ensure timely payments.
* Maintain accurate and confidential employee payroll records, ensuring data integrity.
* Support internal and external audits, providing documentation and responding to queries as needed.
* Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to support business operations and resolve payroll discrepancies.
* Identify and implement process improvements to enhance payroll efficiency and accuracy.
* Respond to employee payroll queries in a timely and professional manner.
Knowledge and Experience Required:
* In-depth understanding of Australian payroll legislation, including the Fair Work Act, Superannuation Guarantee, Payroll Tax, and PAYG withholding.
* Strong knowledge of employment contract interpretation, modern awards, and industrial instrument application.
* Familiarity with STP (Single Touch Payroll), ATO reporting, and year-end processes.
* Proficiency in using payroll and HR systems, with preference given to Payfocus and My Recruitment+.
* Sound knowledge of accounting principles as they relate to payroll.
* Understanding of confidentiality and data protection principles relating to payroll and employee records.
* Demonstrated experience in end-to-end payroll processing in a medium-to-large, complex organisation.
* Experience with audit preparation and responding to compliance queries.
* High attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
* Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to resolve complex payroll issues.
* Discreet and professional, with a demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
* Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet tight deadlines.
* Collaborative and team-oriented, with strong interpersonal skills.
* Proactive, solutions-focused, and continuous improvement mindset.
* Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, especially when explaining payroll matters to non-payroll stakeholders.
* Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.