Principal Payroll Specialist

Job Overview
The Principal Payroll Specialist interprets internal or external business issues and recommends best practices. They will be tasked with solving complex payroll-related problems and will work independently with minimal guidance. The Principal Payroll Specialist may be responsible for leading functional teams or projects and is regarded as a specialist in the field of payroll. As such, they must have in-depth expertise in payroll and broad knowledge of the payroll discipline within the finance/HR function. It is essential that the candidate must have experience in running offshore payroll.
Reporting to the Director Human Resources, the role will lead payroll processing for our Australian onshore employees (approx 350) and offshore staff (approx 170). It will include inputting offshore wage types and activity codes relating to Enterprise Agreements, requiring a high level of accuracy and efficiency. There may be a requirement to work additional hours during payroll processing with time off in lieu available. Flexibility will be offered, with the ability to work up to two days from home.
Qualifications
Essential Qualifications and Education:
Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance, or related field
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Equivalent preferable but not essential
Minimum 10 years of payroll experience preferably within Australia
Knowledge of Kronos and SAP essential
Experience in working with HR on process improvements projects
Working knowledge of company policies and procedures related to Payroll
Ability to be responsible for changes and improvements to the payroll process
Familiar with timekeeping systems and interfaces between Timekeeping, Payroll, and General Ledger posting of payroll
Experience in supervising a team of 5 or more team members
Troubleshoot and resolve offshore payroll discrepancies quickly and effectively
Efficient time management capabilities
Effective communication skills and the ability to professionally interface with employees, management, and others regarding payroll inquiries
Strong analytical and presentation skills
Able to handle sensitive employee data with a high level of confidentiality
What you can expect from us
Eligible employees will be entitled to benefits including –
Competitive Salaries
9 Day Fortnight – every second Friday off
Income Protection Insurance
Life insurance
14 weeks primary / 2 weeks secondary carer paid parental leave
Competitive offshore and onshore allowances
Robust Talent and Organisation Development programs
Annual Retention and Bonus Schemes for eligible employees
Discounted gym membership
Education Assistance Program
Flexible Work Arrangements
Salary sacrifice
Novated leasing options
Strong Health and Safety Culture
Wellness Program and Employee Assistance program
Educational and leadership development opportunities
Great culture and friendly supportive team
Private Health Insurance Subsidy of $2500 per annum
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Execute payroll activities assigned to the team
Ensure the accuracy, compliance, and timeliness of payroll disbursements
Review and approve monthly payroll register to determine accuracy, ensure that all additions and deletions have been recorded, and maintain data for payroll bank envelope file
Provide guidance and support for more junior Payroll Specialists to ensure the successful execution of payroll tasks
Stay up to date on relevant labor laws, tax regulations, and industry best practices to ensure that all payroll activities comply with legal requirements
Handle and resolve complex payroll issues, discrepancies, and escalations, demonstrating problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail
Conduct audits regularly and reconcile payroll data to maintain data integrity and accuracy
Assisting in STP finalisation
Inputting of new hires into the Payroll system
Application and a strong understanding of Enterprise Agreements
Administration of superannuation, payroll tax, child support, workers compensation and annual payroll related insurances
Continuously identify opportunities for process improvement and automation to streamline payroll operations and enhance efficiency
Lead contact with HR to participate in Payroll Strategy development
Participate in all training and testing cycles
Help build test cases and responsible for validating test results
Help drive engagement with Payroll teams to get their feedback and ensure accurate interface design development
Act as a change agent for new processes and procedures within the Finance Team
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