Senior Payroll Officer

Do you want to work for an iconic Western Australian organisation committed to changing lives and making a difference to your community?

For more than 130 years, St John WA has been a cornerstone of support in Western Australia connecting with community through education, training and care.

As a trusted not-for-profit, the organisation's unwavering mission is to serve humanity and build resilient communities which we do through a strong team spirit, camaraderie and the collaboration of all team members – paid and volunteers alike - working together to support wellbeing and health for every Western Australian.

St John WA is powered by team members who have a strong sense of belonging and purpose and combined we are a leader in pre-hospital care and related products.

Last year, we connected with 1.2 million Western Australians including:

• 340,000 people through first aid training, education and engagement,
• 362,000 people who received care close to where they live and work,
• 410,000 received trusted transport and emergency care when they needed it most.

A job to be proud of:

As the Senior Payroll Officer – Projects, you will play a key role in supporting the Payroll Change Lead during a major payroll system implementation project. You will use your expertise in payroll operations, systems, and award interpretation to ensure a smooth transition to the new platform while maintaining business‑as‑usual accuracy and compliance. This role is ideal for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys problem‑solving, continuous improvement, and guiding others through change. This is a 12 month fixed term role.

Project & Systems Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of the new Payroll System by providing subject matter expertise on payroll processes, data requirements, testing scenarios, and validation activities.
• Assist with data cleansing, data migration checks, and parallel pay runs to ensure accuracy throughout the project lifecycle.
• Participate in user acceptance testing (UAT), documenting issues, verifying outcomes, and contributing to system configuration decisions.
• Work closely with the project team, HR, IT, and the Payroll Change Lead to identify risks, enhance workflows, and optimise the end‑to‑end employee lifecycle within the new system.
• Provide training, guidance and change support to the Payroll Team and stakeholders as new processes and tools are rolled out.
• Support day-to-day payroll processes, ensuring timely and accurate payroll delivery, as required.

What you'll need:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in payroll processing
• Strong ability to analyse applicable awards and agreements to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of application
• Extensive experience with payroll software and systems.
• Excellent computer literacy including but not limited to strong capability in the Microsoft suite.
• Experience working within the requirements of various complex contracts, awards and agreements
• Previous experience with Chris21 system (Desirable)
• Payroll Certificate/Diploma (Desirable)

What's in it for you?

The successful candidate will be offered an interactive and supportive working environment within a positive and professional team along with:

• $500 Health and Wellness reimbursement
• 17.5% leave loading
• Corporate uniform
• Competitive remuneration package
• Salary packaging options
• Free emergency ambulance cover
• Free first aid training

Are you ready to change lives?

To apply for this exciting opportunity please select "Apply Now". Applications must include a detailed cover letter outlining your motivations for this position and resume.

Alternatively, if you have any questions, please contact Jenna Childs – Talent Sourcing Consultant on

Applications close on Monday 5th January 2025 at 6:00 PM

St John WA is committed to creating an inclusive environment which provides a sense of belonging and enables a welcoming, diverse, capable and connected workforce who represent the community we serve. Our goal is to ensure people feel safe to be themselves.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ages, genders, nationalities, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and all other suitable applicants.

St John reserves the right to select a shortlist from the applications received. The selection process employed will be at the discretion of St John.

St John may begin the shortlisting process prior to the closing date.