Payroll Manager

Professional Search Group; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Professional Search Group is seeking a Payroll Manager in Melbourne to lead end-to-end payroll, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and statutory compliance. This hands-on role combines technical payroll expertise with leadership of a dedicated team in a growing organisation.

You will manage payroll processes, drive improvements, and partner with Finance and HR to optimise services, while maintaining governance and confidentiality of payroll data.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a payroll function in a complex/high-volume environment.
• Strong knowledge of Australian payroll legislation, awards, enterprise agreements and conditions.
• Proven leadership and development of payroll teams.
• Excellent payroll reconciliations, reporting and compliance capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing and on-time payments.
• Lead, mentor and develop the payroll team.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, awards and internal policies.
• Manage payroll reconciliations, reporting, superannuation and payroll tax.
• Handle payroll queries and provide high-quality support to stakeholders.
• Drive process improvements for efficiency and accuracy.
• Oversee payroll audits, controls and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with Finance, HR and senior management on payroll matters.

Skills

Payroll management

Leadership

Compliance

Australian payroll legislation

Tools

Payroll software

HRIS

Job description

Permanent Full-Time | Competitive Salary Package

Take the lead in payroll excellence and make an impact in a growing organisation.

Our client is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Payroll Manager to join their organisation and lead the delivery of accurate, efficient and compliant payroll operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on payroll professional who combines strong technical expertise with leadership capability, a continuous improvement mindset and a passion for delivering exceptional service.

As the Payroll Manager, you will take ownership of the end-to-end payroll function, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with relevant legislation, awards, enterprise agreements and internal policies.

About the Role

Reporting to senior leadership, you will be responsible for overseeing the payroll function, leading and developing the payroll team, and ensuring payroll processes and systems operate effectively.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Managing the end-to-end payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
• Leading, mentoring and developing the payroll team.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, Fair Work requirements, awards, enterprise agreements and taxation obligations.
• Overseeing payroll reconciliations, reporting, superannuation, payroll tax and statutory requirements.
• Managing payroll queries and providing high-quality support to employees and stakeholders.
• Reviewing and improving payroll processes, systems and procedures to drive efficiency and accuracy.
• Managing payroll audits, internal controls and risk mitigation.
• Partnering with Finance, HR and senior management on payroll-related matters.
• Maintaining accurate payroll records and ensuring appropriate governance and confidentiality.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Proven experience managing a payroll function, ideally within a complex or high-volume environment.
• Strong knowledge of Australian payroll legislation, awards, enterprise agreements and employment conditions.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing a payroll team.
• Excellent understanding of payroll reconciliations, reporting and compliance requirements.
• Strong systems experience with payroll software and HRIS platforms.
• The ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and implement practical solutions.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with the ability to manage competing priorities.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to lead and influence an established payroll function.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and broader business operations.
• Opportunity to drive process improvements and make a genuine impact.
• Long-term career development opportunities.