Payroll Manager - 12 Month Contract
Payroll
Job Description
Appreciating Payroll is proud to partner with an iconic Australian business who have been operating for over 100 years. Due to an upcoming maternity leave, we are looking for an exceptional Payroll Manager for a 12-month contract.
As
Payroll Manager, you’ll lead a critical function within the People & Culture team, ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time, and with confidence. This role combines operational leadership, systems improvement, and strategic partnership across Industrial Relations, Finance, and Technology.
You’ll have the opportunity to shape how payroll operates across a large and diverse organisation — building capability within your team while driving process improvements and digital innovation.
Your duties will include: - Lead and oversee the end-to-end payroll function, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a seamless employee experience.
- Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing payroll team, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.
- Strengthen payroll governance and compliance, including payroll tax, superannuation, PAYG, STP reporting, reconciliations, and year-end processes.
- Partner with People & Culture, Industrial Relations, Finance, and Technology teams to deliver continuous improvement across payroll operations.
- Drive systems optimisation and automation initiatives, improving efficiency and reducing risk — particularly through system enhancements and integrations.
- Act as a trusted payroll expert and advisor to HR, Finance, and business leaders across the organisation.
About you: - Proven experience leading end-to-end payroll operations within a medium to large, complex organisation.
- Strong working knowledge of Australian payroll legislation, Fair Work frameworks, enterprise agreements, and compliance requirements.
- Hands-on experience with payroll systems such as SAP, Chris21, Dayforce, or similar, along with an understanding of HRIS and Finance system integrations.
- Advanced analytical capability with exceptional attention to detail and a high level of data accuracy.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Sound judgement with a strong commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and governance.
- Confident communication skills with the ability to influence and partner effectively across multiple stakeholder groups.
- Experience within large, multi-site or shift-based environments, and exposure to payroll transformation or system implementation projects, will be advantageous.
The offer: - 3 days WFH, 2 days office-based
- $180k - $195k + Super, depending on previous experince
- Amazing perks & benefits/ discounts
- Highly supportive culture
