CAIRNS - Payroll Administrator

Sea Swift; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Learning and development

Rewards and recognition program

Discounted health insurance

Salary sacrifice options

Supportive and collaborative team

Job summary

Sea Swift is seeking an experienced Full-Time Payroll Administrator to join our Cairns office. You will manage weekly and fortnightly payroll for over 200 employees, ensure accuracy, compliance with Australian payroll rules, and support with tax and superannuation processes.

Reporting to the CFO, the role emphasizes accuracy, confidentiality, and collaboration with HR, managers, and internal stakeholders. A hands-on problem-solver with strong Excel and organisational skills will thrive here.

Qualifications

• HR3 payroll experience is highly regarded.
• Proven experience in a mid to high-volume payroll position.
• Thorough understanding of payroll legislation, taxation and superannuation requirements and enterprise agreements.
• Hands-on problem-solving style and clear communication with employees, managers and stakeholders.
• High level Microsoft Office skills, including Excel.
• Excellent administration and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly and fortnightly payroll for over 200 employees.
• Accurately calculate and enter timesheets and leave applications.
• Complete payroll reconciliations.
• Manage superannuation with Pay Day Super, STP submissions, payroll tax and novated lease requirements within the payroll system.
• Respond to payroll queries and provide timely, accurate support to employees, managers and internal stakeholders.
• Work closely with Human Resources to ensure accurate interpretation of entitlements and obligations.
• Maintain payroll system parameters in line with operational and legislative requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within payroll processes.
• Support payroll audits and internal compliance reviews.
• Update employee tax schedules in line with governance standards.

Skills

HR3 payroll experience

High-volume payroll

Payroll legislation & compliance

Communication

Excel

Organisation

Tools

Excel

Job description

07th October, 2026

Full-Time Payroll Administrator – CAIRNS

Join a team that keeps Northern Australia connected.

Sea Swift is Northern Australia’s largest shipping company, delivering essential marine transport and logistics services to remote communities across the region.

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented payroll administrator to join our Finance team and play a key role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for our workforce.

This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional who enjoys working in a dynamic environment, values accuracy, and thrives as part of a supportive team.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will be responsible for the accurate processing of weekly and fortnightly payrolls for more than 200 employees while ensuring compliance with company policies and legislative requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Process weekly and fortnightly payroll for over 200 employees
• Accurately calculate and enter timesheets and leave applications
• Complete payroll reconciliations
• Manage superannuation with Pay Day Super, STP submissions, payroll tax and novated lease requirements within the payroll system
• Respond to payroll queries and provide timely, accurate support to employees, managers and internal stakeholders
• Work closely with Human Resources to ensure the accurate interpretation of employee entitlements and industrial obligations
• Maintain payroll system parameters in line with operational and legislative requirements
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within payroll processes
• Support payroll audits and internal compliance reviews
• Update employee tax schedules in line with company tax governance standards

Skills & Experience

• HR3 payroll experience is highly regarded
• Proven experience in a mid to high-volume payroll position
• Thorough understanding of payroll legislation, taxation and superannuation requirements and enterprise agreements
• A hands‑on, practical problem‑solving style and the ability to communicate clearly with employees, managers and stakeholders
• High level Microsoft Office skills, including Excel
• Excellent administration and organisational skills

Personal Attributes

• Attention to detail
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and (at times) under pressure to meet deadlines
• High level of confidentiality and professionalism
• Commitment to workplace health, safety and environmental practices

Why Join Sea Swift?

At Sea Swift, our people are our greatest asset. We offer a supportive workplace along with a range of benefits, including:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Learning and development
• Employee rewards and recognition program
• Discounted health insurance
• Salary sacrifice options
• Supportive and collaborative team environment

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to be considered for this position.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo reference checks, a Police Check, pre‑employment medical assessment, and drug and alcohol screening.

Sea Swift is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.