Payroll manager - anz

Job Title: Payroll Manager - ANZ

Business Unit: Mars Global Services (MGS) Finance
Location: Wodonga or Melbourne, Australia

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Lead, Coach & Develop: Provide exceptional leadership to a team of 5 payroll associates, fostering a collaborative and high‐performing environment, managing workloads, and championing individual development and career growth.
• Drive Payroll Excellence: Oversee all operational activities for the ANZ payroll, ensuring timely and accurate processing for diverse business units and managing the relationship with our payroll partner, KPMG, to guarantee operational excellence and best‐in‐class service.
• Champion Compliance & Control: Act as the subject matter expert for all Australian and New Zealand payroll regulations, ensuring unwavering compliance with tax laws, employment standards, and internal Mars policies while maintaining a robust control environment and managing all audit responses.
• Shape Strategic Direction: Set the vision and strategy for the MGSF payroll organization, leading cross‐functional projects, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and identifying opportunities to optimise processes, systems, and organisational design.
• Oversee Payroll Accounting: Manage all payroll‐related accounting operations, including salary and wage transactions, leave provisions, and benefit plan accounting, ensuring precision and timeliness.

What are we looking for?

• A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; a CA, CPA, or MBA qualification (or progress toward one) is highly desirable.
• 5+ years of professional experience in payroll, financial accounting, tax, or financial analysis.
• Proven experience successfully managing and developing a team.
• A strong background in process management with a mindset for continuous improvement.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem‐solving skills, with the ability to partner effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

What can you expect from Mars?

• The opportunity to work for a global, family‐owned business committed to making a positive impact on people and the planet.
• A key leadership role where you can make a tangible impact and shape the future of our payroll services.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment where you are empowered to learn, grow, and develop your career.
• Competitive compensation and benefits that reflect your skills and experience.