Senior Payroll Officer

The Law Society of NSW is Australia's largest and most influential membership association for solicitors. We're not all lawyers, but we work together to support the legal profession and ensure a just society for all.

We are currently looking for a Senior Payroll Officer to join our HR team on a permanent part-time basis starting in 2026.

About the role

The Senior Payroll Officer takes responsibility for the accurate processing of the Law Society's payroll and timely delivery of all payroll related tasks, reporting and projects while ensuring the integrity of all payroll processes.

What you'll be doing

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of company payrolls on a fortnightly basis, including ensuring sufficient funds are available in the payroll bank account, accommodating for public holidays and periods of Senior Payroll Officer's leave.
• Maintain payroll information and the payroll system by directing the collection, calculation and entering of data and ensure archiving and filing of information is up to date.
• Accurate and timely calculation, payment and reconciliation of termination payments, payroll tax, superannuation contributions, overtime, General Ledger salary and leave provision journals and Finance payroll reports.
• Accurate and timely preparation and reconciliation of income statements, reports and ad hoc requests, as required and in line with internal and statutory requirements.
• Single Touch Payroll reporting, pay cycle and year end reporting.
• Provide timely and accurate resolutions of payroll related queries to staff and management and liaise with HR regarding staff and payroll enquiries including new hires, terminations, remuneration, parental leave and Law Society paid parental leave and Government paid parental leave payments, conditions of service and internal and external reporting responsibilities.
• Proactively manage instances relating to leave by working with managers, team leaders, and if necessary, HR to resolve situations which may include staff applying for the wrong leave type, not supplying appropriate documentation or are approaching a leave deficit.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal and local legislative requirements in addition to Law Society polices and enforce adherence to requirements and advising staff and management of these.
• Take responsibility for completion of Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) reporting.
• Work with Finance and external Auditors to contribute to the completion of the annual payroll audit.
• Assist and manage as required the workers compensation administration, including liaison with insurer and fulfilling reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate records by managing the storing and electronic filing of medical certificates, emails from HR, staff and/or managers containing approvals or pertinent information.
• Provide system training to all new staff, with specific training for managers and team leaders and manage system upgrades and enhancements as required or requested.
• Manage relationships with payroll related vendors.
• Undertake projects such as process improvements, standardisation of payroll systems and continually review, recommend and implement improvements/changes to the payroll operation as necessary.
• Maintain staff and management confidence by protecting confidentiality and ensuring the integrity of payroll operations.
• Ensure professional and technical knowledge is up to date and relevant.
• Any other payroll related projects/tasks as directed by the Director, Human Resources and/or Chief Financial Officer.

About you

• Appropriate postgraduate qualification with extensive demonstrated payroll management and processing experience.
• Continuous improvement experience.
•  Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of payroll systems (a working knowledge of Access Micropay is desirable).
• Ability to keep up to date and interpret and understand Awards and relevant legislation (including but not limited to employment, workers' compensation, superannuation, payroll tax and parental leave legislative requirements as they relate to payroll).
• Ability to understand and apply organisational policies and procedures as they relate to Payroll and associated HR matters.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including, e-mail and internet applications. and an excellent working knowledge of Excel.
• Strong analytical and numeracy skills.
• Proven ability to use clear, concise language in correspondence with a 'customer focus' approach.
• Team player with warm, approachable style.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to work to strict deadlines including the need to be flexible during payroll processing periods.
• Ability to take ownership of the payroll function and make decisions accordingly.
• Strong sense of discretion, particularly with respect to sensitive payroll data.
• Ability to be proactive and responsive in unexpected circumstances.
• Problem solving ability.

To apply

The Law Society of New South Wales is committed to building and maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace, appointing the best person for the role and supporting diversity. 

Applications should contain a CV and cover letter that outlines your key experience and motivations for this role.