Payroll Manager

About Southern Ports

Southern Ports operates the gateway ports of Albany, Bunbury, and Esperance, connecting regional WA to global markets. We focus on safe, efficient, and sustainable port operations, delivering value to our customers and communities. With a strong commitment to our people, we're building a diverse, high-performing workforce to support the future of regional trade.

Benefits of Joining Southern Ports

Joining Southern Ports Authority comes with numerous benefits that cater to a wide range of professional and personal needs, some examples being:

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Enjoy a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle and personal commitments.

• Annual Health and Well-being Benefits: Take advantage of programs and resources aimed at maintaining your physical and mental health.

• Salary Sacrificing Options: Maximise your take-home pay through tailored salary packaging arrangements such as Novated Car Leasing and Superannuation

• Opportunity to Travel: Experience different geographical regions in Western Australia, enhancing your professional and personal growth.

• Generous Purchase Leave Options: Gain additional leave options to suit your personal needs and preferences.

Salary:

$143,170 + superannuation + regional allowance if based regionally.

The Role

Southern Ports is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to manage the end-to-end payroll function and a dedicated team to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll services. This role ensures effective payment of wages, benefits, and statutory obligations for all employees, and requires close collaboration with HR, Industrial Relations, Finance, and other stakeholders to maintain data integrity, deliver exceptional service and drive continuous improvement.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Management

Manage end-to-end payroll processing to ensure accurate, timely, and confidential payment of wages, benefits, and deductions.

Team Leadership

Lead and manage the performance and development of the payroll team to ensure efficient, compliant, and high-quality service delivery.

Compliance & Reporting

Maintain up-to-date expertise in legislation and policy to ensure statutory compliance, prepare accurate reports, and mitigate risk through regular audits.

Advisory & Support

Provide expert advice on complex payroll matters, legislative changes, and organisational impacts to support informed business decisions.

Process Improvement

Identify and drive enhancements to systems and processes, ensuring integration with HR and IT and alignment with best practice.

Employee Relations

Act as a key contact and resolution for payroll queries, ensuring exceptional customer service and deliver training on payroll systems and processes.

Required

• Certificate IV in Payroll Administration or Diploma of Payroll Management.

• Demonstrated experience managing the end-to-end payroll function, including leading, coaching, and developing a dedicated payroll team.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Australian industrial relations legislation, taxation, superannuation, and payroll compliance requirements.

• Ability to interpret and apply complex enterprise agreements, awards, and contracts.

• Proven experience in the use of payroll and HRIS systems (e.g. Definitive).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

• High level of analytical, problem solving, and communication skills, with proven stakeholder management expertise.

• Demonstrated high level of integrity and confidentiality.

Preferred

• Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management or Business Administration.

• Formal leadership or management training.

To see the PD for this role, please copy and paste the below link into your browser:

Requirements

To apply, please submit your application through our advertisement. Ensure you include an up-to-date resume.

To be eligible for this role, applicants must reside either Perth, Bunbury, Albany or Esperance and provide proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency.

The successful applicant must:

• Have a current Western Australian driver's licence

• Be able to obtain and maintain a Maritime Security Identification Card

• Pass a pre-employment medical assessment including drug and alcohol testing

• Provide a National Police Certificate that is within a 6-month period.

Southern Ports is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against race, gender, age, religion, sexual preference or disability. We encourage applications from all culturally diverse backgrounds, Indigenous Australians and Non-Indigenous Australians. Southern Ports is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and impartial workplace with equal opportunities for all employees.

Applications close: COB 25th November 2025

We reserve the right to commence the recruitment process during the application period.