Payroll Business Transformation Manager

CIMIC Group is an engineering-led services, construction and natural resources leader with a history dating back to 1899. Powered by 30,000 people, and pioneering technology and engineering, we deliver high-value and sustainable solutions across the lifecycle of assets, infrastructure and resources projects in around 20 countries through CPB Contractors, Leighton Asia, UGL, Sedgman, Thiess, Pacific Partnerships and EIC Activities.
Overview
The Payroll Business Transformation Manager is a leadership role focused on driving change and improvements across payroll operations, processes, and systems within the CIMIC Group while successfully delivering a new payroll platform transition. The role involves ensuring that payroll functions are optimized, compliant, standardised and aligned with the CIMIC Group strategic goals, while integrating innovative tools and technologies. This role is accountable for driving modernization across our payroll operations, resulting in:

• Increased accuracy in payroll processing.

• Enhanced data security and compliance.

• Reduced operational costs through automation and offshoring.

• Improved employee experience with streamlined payroll services
Key responsibilities for the role include:
Business Transformation Strategy:

• Develop and execute a roadmap to transition the payroll processing and operations to the new platform.

• Collaborate with stakeholders (HR, Finance, IT, etc.) to align payroll transformation goals with broader priorities.

• Identify best practices and implement payroll innovations (e.g. automation).
Payroll Technology Implementation:

• Lead the implementation and integration of new payroll technologies

• Ensure efficient data migration between old and new systems

• Work with tech teams to optimise payroll integration, automation and self-service tools for employees.
Process Optimisation:

• Analyse current payroll processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement process improvements.

• Introduce standardisation across regions or subsidiaries for global payroll operations.

• Ensure the transformation minimizes manual interventions and improves accuracy.
Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure payroll processes comply with local (country) and regional labour laws and tax regulations.

• Implement controls to reduce fraud or errors in payroll processing.
Change Management:

• Oversee change management strategies to ensure smooth adoption of payroll changes across operating companies.

• Train and support staff in understanding and utilizing new payroll tools and systems.

• Communicate transformation benefits effectively to stakeholders.
Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Develop KPIs to measure payroll transformation success, process efficiency, and employee satisfaction.

• Deliver regular status reports to senior management, highlighting progress, budget use, and process outcomes.
Global Payroll Support:

• Manage complex global payroll structures, ensuring compliance with country-specific laws and regulations.

• Integrate diverse payroll systems into a single streamlined global payroll platform.
Leadership and Team Collaboration:

• Lead cross-functional teams (payroll, HR, IT, finance) to implement and sustain changes.

• Foster innovation by promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing within the organization.

• Conduct end-to-end audits across diverse topics and Operating Companies by using data to identify potential control deficiencies or areas for improvement.
Education and Qualifications required for this role:

• Degree in related discipline, ie Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Data Science, statistics or other etc

• Relevant data analytics, statistics, data science, computer programing accreditations highly regarded
o Bachelor degree in Business, HR, Finance, or related fields. An advanced degree (e.g. MBA) is often preferred.
o 8+ years of experience in payroll management or transformation projects, with proven expertise in managing payroll systems.
o Payroll certifications such as CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification), or equivalent is often preferred but not mandatory.
o Project management certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 (preferred).
Experience, Skills and Behavioural Competencies required for this role:

• Demonstrated track record in driving Group-wide transformational change (preferably Payroll related), business case development and business systems implementation

• Strong systems and digital technology background (10+ years) with strong leadership skills

• Experience working in IT and Business platform and outsourcing transformations in a global company, preferably with global operations

• Experience working in a parent company with subsidiary / operating company environment of stakeholders

• Experience working with offshore and outsourcing teams and operating models

• Proven experience in reporting and communication

• Proven relationship management skills, including the ability to influence across multiple levels and across business units and divisions

• Payroll Expertise:

• Deep understanding of payroll systems and processes across multiple jurisdictions.

• Knowledge of statutory compliance, tax regulations, and industry standards.

• Strong understanding of automation tools, cloud-based payroll solutions, Dayforce, Oracle Fusion, or SAP and HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems – Oracle HCM, preferrable).

• Project and Vendor Management:

• Ability to lead large-scale payroll transformation projects, set milestones, and track deliverables.

• Experience in standard project management processes and use of Agile or Waterfall transformation methodologies.