Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Responsible for managing and executing end-to-end payroll operations with a strong emphasis on accuracy, compliance, and service excellence. This role serves as a primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries, ensuring alignment with all relevant regulatory requirements. The Payroll Specialist will also play a key role in supporting system enhancements and process improvements, including the successful transition to a new HRIS platform.

Reporting to Senior Payroll Manager and based in our Support Office in hawthorn, this position contributes to the integrity, efficiency, and trust embedded in the payroll function, fostering a culture of operational excellence.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and process end-to-end payroll in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.
• Lead a small team and perform quality control audits to ensure payroll accuracy.
• Manage PAYG, Payroll Tax, Superannuation, and other statutory obligations.
• Interpret and apply Modern Awards, EBAs, and relevant employment legislation.
• Review, update, and process employee onboarding, contract changes, and terminations.
• Investigate and resolve complex payroll queries in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate payroll records, reconciliations, and audit-ready documentation.
• Review and approve payroll payments, liaising with Finance and P&C as needed.
• Stay up-to-date on legislative changes and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare documentation for internal and external audits and support audit responses.
• Support system upgrades, user acceptance testing, and payroll process improvements.
• Maintain data confidentiality and exercise a high degree of discretion at all times.

At Aeralife You will enjoy

• Fun Loving and Supportive Team
• A positive and supportive workplace culture
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounts and Benefits through our Rewards Program, novated leasing, salary packaging and Health & Well Being Program.
• Discounted Private Health Insurance
• Progressive and well-resourced aged care organisation

What you will bring

• Minimum 5 years of experience in end-to-end payroll processing.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation and compliance: PAYG, Superannuation, LSL, Fair Work Act, NES.
• Advanced computer and Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, formula-driven reconciliations).
• Proven experience with multiple Modern Awards, EBAs, and interpreting complex industrial instruments.
• Experience managing payroll general ledger (GL) interfaces and month-end reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to perform reconciliations, audits, and compliance reporting.
• Familiarity with Single Touch Payroll, super clearing, and EOFY.
• Experience with HRIS/payroll systems (UKG/Kronos, Chris21, SAP, ADP, Elmo, etc.).
• Knowledge of general payroll practices, procedures, operations and legislation
• Team leadership and management experience.
• High attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Bachelor's Degree in finance or Economics, Certificate III in Business or Certificate III in Financial Services

Desired

• Experience in the aged care sector.
• Understanding of aged care or healthcare-specific industrial agreements and workforce structures.
• Exposure to clinical/shift-based payroll conditions (e.g., penalties, shift work).
• Familiarity with reporting for regulatory bodies (e.g., ATO, Unions, Fair Work).

About Us:

As a proudly Australian and independently owned provider with over 20 years of experience, Aeralife specialise in premium residential aged care. Our mission is to enable a safe, nurturing community that delights our diverse residents, families, and staff.

With homes across Victoria and New South Wales, Aeralife communities are a shining example of our innovative and holistic approach to aged care. Our dedicated teams, driven by passion and empathy, are committed to creating deep connections with residents, ensuring a meaningful approach to caregiving.

At Aeralife, we create a place of joy, purpose, and connection for our residents, families, and staff. Guided by our core values – Passion, Innovation, Empathy, and Respect – we strive to create an environment where both residents and team members thrive.

Join us in shaping a new era of care and making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

To Apply

If you meet the above criteria and are passionate about making a difference in the wider community and making a positive difference in people's lives, we would love to hear from you.

The successful candidate will be required to supply proof of work rights and National Disability Worker Screening Check.

Please submit a Cover Letter and Resume via the APPLY NOW Link.  Due to high volume of candidates, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.