payroll manager

About the Company

Ahrens is a fifth-generation, Australian family-owned company, with over 120 years' experience in delivering a wide range of high-quality and cost-effective products and projects across Australia, with footprints overseas.

Our growth has culminated in the business we are today: a full Construction, Engineering, Mining & Industrial Services, Sheds & Silos and Water Storage company which provides complete turnkey project solutions, supported by our 26 divisions.

As we continue to evolve, so does our need to heavily invest in our people and facilities for continued success.

With 1,300 employees Australia-wide, we foster a positive and supportive team culture which embraces diversity and innovation, while aligning with our core values of commitment, integrity and safety. In return, we reward those who passionately work with us towards our vision.

About the Role

We have a new and exciting opportunity for a Payroll Manager to join the growing team at Ahrens. Working at our Kingsford location, this role will be responsible for leading the payroll team in delivering accurate, timely and compliant payroll services across the organisation. This position ensures that all payroll processes align with Australian legislative requirements, modern awards and enterprise agreements. The successful candidate will have excellent team leadership skills and keen focus on continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and support payroll team members to ensure timely and accurate payroll delivery
• Plan, allocate, and monitor workload to meet deadlines and service delivery standards
• Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll queries and stakeholder issues
• Oversee the end-to end payroll processing in compliance with contracts, Awards, EBAs, and legislation
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of all statutory obligations including PAYG, payroll tax, superannuation, WorkCover, and Long Service Leave
• Coordinate end-of-month and end-of-year payroll reporting
• Generate and deliver financial reports and reconciliations for internal and external stakeholders
• Support audits and compliance reviews
• Maintain and improve payroll systems, data integrity, and internal controls
• Support implementation of payroll process improvements and change management initiatives
• Work closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure integrated data flows and efficient processes
• Liaise with external service providers including auditors, ATO, and payroll software vendors

Skills and Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in payroll, including at least 2 years in a team leadership or supervisory role
• Experience in end to end Payroll in a large organisation which pays across multiple Awards and EBAs
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with a high attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to manage sensitive information with integrity and confidentiality
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead and develop a team
• Experience with Kronos and Pronto software will be an advantage but not essential

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program, supporting you and your family's health & wellbeing
• Discounts to some of Australia's leading corporate partners in private health insurance, gyms, travel, clothing, vehicles and more
• Generous paid parental leave entitlements to support you and your family
• Annual Employee Donation Scheme to support a charity/cause of your choice
• Family, social and team building events including Friday afternoon team bonding
• Opportunities for career progression

How to Apply

To apply click the "Apply Now" to submit your updated resume and cover letter, further enquiries can be directed to Annie Nguyen, Talent Acquisition Specialist on or via email to

Ahrens is an Equal Opportunity employer who recognise the value in a diverse workforce. We are dedicated to promote an inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all genders and people of Indigenous backgrounds.