Payroll Lead

Cara; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to AU$15,900

Meal entertainment packaging

Professional development

Payroll insourcing project experience

Work from home after induction

Job summary

Cara invites an experienced Payroll Lead to drive our payroll function through Dayforce implementation and insourcing in Adelaide, SA. You’ll lead two Payroll Officers, shape new processes and set the standard for accurate, timely payroll and strong controls.

You'll oversee end-to-end fortnightly payroll, interpret legislation, and lead system testing, reporting, and year-end activities, with partial work-from-home flexibility after induction.

Qualifications

• Advanced Excel, Power Query, data mapping and data modelling skills.
• Experience maintaining payroll software and implementing new systems (Dayforce knowledge is highly regarded).
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation and processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead two Payroll Officers and oversee end-to-end fortnightly payroll processing.
• Interpret and advise on payroll legislation and policies.
• Lead the Dayforce implementation and insourcing project.
• Prepare ad hoc reports and support audits.
• Identify process improvements and drive efficiency.

Job description

Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia

Full-time Permanent Mid-level Senior

Posted 30 Oct 2026

Description

Lead payroll through its next big chapter

Cara is currently in the process of implementing Dayforce as our new payroll and HR solution with go-live planned for the first half of 2027. At the same time, we will move to processing our payroll 100% in-house after a period of partnering with third-party providers. As our Payroll Lead, you’ll help shape new processes from the start, lead a small team and set the standard for how we pay our people.

About the role

You’ll lead two Payroll Officers and be accountable for accurate, timely fortnightly payroll, great service to our staff, and strong payroll controls. You’ll play a key role in the Dayforce implementation and insourcing, then embed the function as business as usual.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop two Payroll Officers, fostering a high performance culture built on teamwork, accountability and clear communication
• Oversee end-to-end fortnightly payroll processing, including time and attendance data
• Interpret and advise on payroll legislation, Enterprise Agreements, and policies and procedures
• Calculate leave entitlements (including portable long service leave), termination payments and special payments
• Process workers compensation claims and reconcile reimbursements
• Prepare ad hoc reports in response to management requests, contribute to reporting for industry benchmarking, and complete ABS surveys
• Lead payroll projects, including system testing and upgrades, while monitoring budget, time and scope
• Analyse data to identify trends and risks, and find ways to streamline processes
• Resolve payroll queries from employees and maintain confidentiality of payroll data
• Support and participate in the year-end external audits, including preparing reconciliations and responding to audit queries

About you

• Experience leading and coordinating a complex, end-to-end payroll function in a medium to large organisation
• Advanced Excel, Power Query, data mapping and data modelling skills
• Experience maintaining payroll software and implementing new systems (Dayforce experience is highly regarded)
• In-depth knowledge of employment and payroll laws
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a service-excellence, people-centred approach
• Commercial acumen, and the drive to continuously improve processes
• Analytical and numeracy skills, strong attention to detail, and the organisation to meet deadlines
• Flexible, resilient and comfortable with change

What we offer

• Ability to salary package living expenses up to $15,900, increasing your take-home pay.
• Additional salary packaging available for meal entertainment.
• Work as part of a supportive team, with access to ongoing professional development.
• A rare chance to be part of a payroll insourcing and Dayforce implementation
• Flexibility to work from home after your induction period

Please note: a current NDIS Worker Screening Check is required and must be maintained. Some out of hours work, including public holidays, may occasionally be needed.

Company Overview

Cara is a Possibility Service. For over 76 years, we've worked alongside people with disability across Adelaide and regional South Australia, supporting lives full of joy, purpose and belonging. Join a team that's passionate about creating possibilities, fostering connection, and making a genuine difference every day. Cara, Where Disability is Different.