Group Payroll Officer

Directly reporting to the Group Financial Controller, the Group Payroll Officer will work closely with the entire Group Payroll team as well as other key business stakeholders. This role requires proven expertise in managing complex payroll processes across multiple entities and awards, ensuring compliance with Fair Work legislation, ATO requirements, and company policies.

You must be skilled in interpreting EBAs and modern awards, administering superannuation and payroll tax obligations, and maintaining accurate employee records.

You must demonstrate strong proficiency in payroll systems (Payfocus is preferred) with a keen focus on data integrity, process improvement and delivering timely and accurate payroll outcomes.

**Responsibilities**:

- Process end-to-end payroll on a weekly and fortnightly for wholly owned entities within Australia, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Ensure compliance with statutory obligations, including PAYG, superannuation, payroll tax, and other relevant legislation.
- Prepare and lodge Single Touch Payroll (STP) 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, including journal entries.
- 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.
- Familiarity with STP (Single Touch Payroll), ATO reporting, and year-end processes (e.g., income statements, payment summaries).
- Proficiency in using payroll and HR systems with preference given to Payfocus (Payroll) and My Recruitment+ (HR). Previous involvement in system upgrades or implementations is advantageous.
- Sound knowledge of accounting principles as they relate to payroll (e.g., accruals, reconciliations, GL interface).
- 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 (ideally 1,000+ employees).
- Experience working within an ASX-listed or a diverse corporate structure, including managing payroll across different business units.
- 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, demonstrates integrity in handling 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.