* Do you want to work at an agency where each day reveals new opportunities to work on some of the biggest issues facing consumers and businesses and have opportunities to pursue new and exciting pathways?
* Do you want to work at a place where smart and dedicated people from all walks of life collaborate to work on meaningful matters?
* Do you want to play a key role in the AER payroll team and support the development of the AER as it prepares to become an independent agency?
Then this is the place for you At the AER, we work to make energy consumers better off, now and in the future. We focus on ensuring a secure, reliable and affordable energy future for Australia as it transitions to net zero emissions. Our high performing culture is built on a foundation of care, support and inclusion. It's why we're driven by connection and collaboration, sharing our skills, knowledge and support with each other freely and frequently. It's why we prioritise the wellbeing of our people and empower them to work autonomously, flexibly and courageously. We believe the best version of you is the one that's true to who you are – and that's the you we want working alongside us.
We value flexibility, this role can be performed at any of the AER offices located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, or Sydney and are available on a full-time, part-time or job-share basis.
Applicants from diverse backgrounds including First Nations peoples, people with disability and those from different cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The Legal, Corporate and Information Services Division provides the professional corporate services and information the organisation requires, when they are required, to operate effectively. The Division's remit includes specialised legal services, people and culture, finance and procurement, IT applications and data governance, and corporate reporting and governance functions. The Division also has responsibility for operating the website.
The AER is preparing to become an independent agency from 1st July 2026. The Legal, Corporate and Information Services division is developing the capabilities, frameworks, structures, systems, processes, and resources required to deliver our enabling functions as a standalone service for the AER.
The AER has procured TechnologyOne for its Enterprise Resource Planning, including Payroll and other Human Resources modules. We require conscientious people who are passionate about human resources, have a strong attention to detail and a can-do mindset, as well as a love for learning and process improvement.
What you will do as a Payroll Officer
Payroll Officers at the AER play a key role in delivering the AER's fortnightly payroll for the agency. Working under limited direction and independently about how tasks are completed, the Payroll Officer reports to the Assistant Director – Payroll and Workforce Reporting to:
* Process and reconcile day to day & complex payroll transactions related to the employee lifecycle including commencements, salary advancements, superannuation, leave liabilities, long-service leave, tax obligations, back pay, overpayments, workers compensation, and terminations.
* Identify, assess and resolve payroll anomalies arising from system issues, incorrect data, or interpretation of employment conditions.
* Apply expert system and employment framework knowledge to advise and support staff on payroll queries.
* Support fortnightly pay variance reporting to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.
* Coordinate and execute parallel pay runs, system testing, and reconciliations during implementation of TechnologyOne before 1 July 2026.
* Develop and maintain system documentation, checklists and standard operating procedures for the payroll procedures.
* Monitor payroll processes and system controls to ensure compliance with legislation, policy, and audit requirements.
* Work collaboratively with team to review policy and system changes, configuration design documents and participate in user acceptance testing.
* Identify payroll risks and data quality issues and recommend and implement mitigation strategies.
* Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and quality assurance support to other team members.
* Contribute to team capability by sharing knowledge, developing tools, and improving documentation.
* Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes and improve efficiency.
* Support the Assistant Director in embedding consistent, compliant, and sustainable payroll practices.
About you
All candidates are expected to meet the APS Integrated Leadership Profile (ILS) for the classification advertised. Follow the link for more information on the ILS. This role in particular requires:
* Minimum 2 years' experience processing payroll through a payroll software solution and proficient Microsoft office skills, in particular MS Excel.
* Demonstrated understanding of and ability to apply, advise on and comply with relevant legislation, employment conditions, payroll requirements and best-practice payroll processes and controls.
* Demonstrated ability to work with detail and resolve moderately complex and/or sensitive payroll issues.
* Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources or a willingness to gain professional accreditation in Human Resources.
The following job specific criteria is also highly desirable:
* Experience with TechnologyOne Payroll Software.
To find out more about us and the role, please read the Candidate Kit.
How to apply
You will be asked to answer two behavioural questions with no more than 300 words each (refer to the Candidate Kit) and submit your resume (2 pages maximum).
Salary: $89,946 - $95,374 (plus 15.4% superannuation).
Contact Officer: Parul Kashyap,
Applications Close: 11:00pm (AEDT), Monday 9 March 2026
Please note that due to a system upgrade the Recruitment Platform (BigRedSky) will be unavailable from Friday 6 March 2026, 10:00pm AEDT until Sunday 8 March 2026, 10:00pm AEDT.