Senior Payroll Officer needed for a 4 day perm role in the Newcastle region.Your new company
Join a values-driven organisation making a positive impact across multiple sites and locations throughout Australia. We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Officer to take ownership of a complex, end-to-end payroll function within a dynamic and growing organisation. This is a key role responsible for ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, governance, reporting, and continuous improvement across the business.
Your new role
Reporting to the Head of People & Culture, you will lead the delivery of a high-volume payroll function, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with Australian payroll legislation, Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements, and statutory obligations. You will also act as the payroll system subject matter expert, supporting process improvements, reporting, audits, and stakeholder engagement.

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing across the organisation.
• Ensure accurate interpretation of Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements, overtime, penalties, allowances, and leave entitlements.
• Maintain payroll policies, procedures, controls, and audit readiness.
• Lead payroll compliance activities including STP, superannuation, PAYG, payroll tax, and workers compensation reporting.
• Conduct payroll audits and identify compliance or process improvement opportunities.
• Oversee payroll reporting, reconciliations, month-end activities, and statutory obligations.
• Act as the payroll system expert, supporting upgrades, integrations, testing, and process enhancements.
• Partner closely with People & Culture, Finance, and operational leaders to provide payroll advice and insights.
• Manage complex payroll queries and support payroll governance activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, controls, and employee experience.

What you'll need to succeed

• Extensive experience in a Senior Payroll Officer, Payroll Lead or Payroll Manager position within Australia.
• Strong knowledge of Australian payroll legislation and compliance requirements.
• Advanced Modern Award and Enterprise Agreement interpretation skills.
• Experience managing end-to-end payroll processing in a complex environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to payroll accuracy.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience with payroll systems, HRIS platforms and process improvement projects.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Advanced reporting and reconciliation skills.
• A proactive and continuous improvement mindset.

What you'll get in return

• Opportunity to take ownership of a critical payroll function.
• Collaborative and supportive leadership team.
• Varied role with exposure to payroll, compliance, systems and process improvement.
• Competitive salary package.
• Permanent full-time opportunity.
• Flexible and dynamic working environment.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV kelly.axon@hays.com.au, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
#3014600