Payroll Manager

Bundaberg Regional Council; Sharon; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary sacrifice

17.5% leave loading

9-day fortnight

Fitness Passport

Wellbeing support

Professional development

Work-life balance

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Bundaberg Regional Council is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead the payroll function across the organisation in Bundaberg Region, Queensland. The role ensures accurate, timely and compliant payroll services, providing specialist advice on payroll legislation and employment conditions.

You will drive improvements, oversee a payroll team and collaborate with leaders to support staff and governance. This permanent full-time position offers a competitive remuneration package and benefits.

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing end-to-end payroll operations within a complex organisation, including multiple Awards, Certified Agreements and employment arrangements.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to develop teams, build accountability and foster a positive, respectful workplace culture.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance requirements, statutory reporting, superannuation and complex payroll calculations.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using payroll systems, managing audits and implementing process improvements.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll matters and build trusted relationships across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead Council's payroll function and ensure accurate, timely and compliant delivery of payroll services across the organisation.
• Provide expert advice on payroll legislation, industrial instruments and employment conditions while maintaining strong controls, reporting and governance practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, enhance payroll systems and processes, and lead a capable, collaborative payroll team.

Skills

End-to-end payroll

Leadership

Payroll legislation

Analytical skills

Communication

Payroll systems

Tools

Payroll systems

Job description

$116,316 per annum + super + benefits
Permanent Full-Time
People, Safety & Culture, People, Community & ConnectionBundaberg Region

About Us

At Bundaberg Regional Council, we are dedicated to building a vibrant and sustainable future for our community. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill sets can thrive. Whether delivering essential services or driving innovative projects, our team is united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact. By joining us, you’ll become part of an organisation that values your contributions, supports your growth, and empowers you to help shape a better future for everyone.

Uniquely positioned north of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, the Bundaberg Region is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regional cities and the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. The Bundaberg Region boasts the most equitable climate in Australia and rates fifth in the world alongside Hawaii. Noted for its environmental excellence, pristine waterways, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, the Bundaberg Region showcases everything that nature’s palette can create.

What We Offer

• An attractive remuneration package with options for salary sacrifice and 17.5% leave loading
• 9-day fortnight roster
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Wellbeing and mental health support programs, including access to our Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunities for professional development training and study assistance to support your career growth
• Thrive in a workplace that prioritises a healthy work-life balance within a supportive and friendly team
• Be part of an inclusive and diverse culture where every team member is valued

Discover more about working at Bundaberg Regional Council and the benefits we offer our employees by clicking here.

About The Opportunity

As Payroll Manager, you will lead Council's payroll function and ensure the accurate, timely and compliant delivery of payroll services across the organisation. This role provides expert advice on payroll legislation, industrial instruments and employment conditions while maintaining strong controls, reporting and governance practices. Working closely with leaders and stakeholders across Council, you will drive continuous improvement initiatives, enhance payroll systems and processes, and lead a capable, collaborative payroll team. Your work will help ensure employees are supported through reliable payroll services that underpin Council's ability to serve the Bundaberg community

About You

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate the following key selection criteria:

• Significant experience managing end-to-end payroll operations within a complex organisation, including multiple Awards, Certified Agreements and employment arrangements.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to develop teams, build accountability and foster a positive, respectful workplace culture.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance requirements, statutory reporting, superannuation and complex payroll calculations.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using payroll systems, managing audits and implementing process improvements.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll matters and build trusted relationships across the organisation.

To view the Position Description for this role, please click here.

The Selection Process

We encourage candidates to advise us of any accommodations they may need to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience throughout our recruitment process and work environment. We are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

We celebrate our community's rich diversity and are committed to attracting and employing people that represent the community that we serve. We recognise and appreciate the diversity of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive and safe working environment where all employees are valued, respected and supported to achieve their potential.

The preferred candidate will be required to undergo a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process.

Applications close on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, at 11:59 pm AEST.

Applications that do not meet the above requirements may not be shortlisted. The advertisement will be closed either when a successful applicant is identified or on the application close date, whichever is sooner.