Payroll Manager (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

Workskil Australia; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Workskil Australia is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead a nationwide payroll function from Adelaide on a 12-month fixed-term contract. You will manage a dispersed team, ensure legislative compliance, optimise processes, and partner with Finance, HR and senior leadership to drive payroll excellence across SA, WA, NSW, NT, VIC and QLD.

In this role you will maintain payroll accuracy, mitigate risk, and drive continuous improvement while providing hands-on support during peak periods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree or equivalent experience in commerce/accounting/business.
• Diploma/certifications in payroll and related training.
• Experience leading payroll in medium to large organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the payroll team across multiple states.
• Ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely payroll processing.
• Oversee complex calculations, terminations and salary packaging.
• Approve final pay runs and statutory payroll reporting.
• Manage relationships with payroll systems and providers.
• Develop payroll policies and reporting frameworks.

Skills

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Adaptability in fast-paced env

Education

Bachelor's degree in Commerce/Accounting/Business

Diploma in Payroll

Certificate IV in Payroll Administration

Equivalent relevant experience

Tools

Chris21

Microsoft Office

Job description

Perks People Solutions is proud to be partnering with Workskil Australia, a leading national not-for-profit employment services provider committed to building better lives. For over 40 years, they have helped individuals find work and achieve sustained financial and social self-reliance. Employing almost 900 staff across 50+ locations, they approach the development of their staff with the same mindset offering, an environment where you can grow and thrive.

A rare opportunity exists for an experienced and people-focused Payroll Manager to join the organisation on a 12-month fixed-term contract due to an internal secondment. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, you will lead the payroll function that serves a geographically dispersed workforce while driving continuous improvement, compliance excellence and payroll innovation.

The Role

As Payroll Manager, you will lead and support a dedicated payroll team, providing technical expertise, oversight of complex payroll matters, while maintaining a hands‑on approach when required to support the team and contribute to day‑to‑day operations. You will play a pivotal role in leading and maintaining payroll accuracy, mitigating risk, improving processes, and collaborating closely with Finance, HR, and senior leadership teams.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the Payroll Team to deliver accurate, compliant, and timely payroll services for approximately 900 employees across SA, WA, NSW, NT, VIC & QLD.
• Managing payroll governance and compliance, to ensure accuracy, legislative compliance, and operational integrity including ensuring all modern awards are interpreted and applied accurately.
• Acting as the escalation point for complex payroll queries and technical matters.
• Reviewing complex payroll calculations, including terminations, redundancies, long service leave, superannuation, portable long service leave, workers compensation, and salary packaging arrangements.
• Reviewing and approving final pay runs prior to release, ensuring all payroll controls, validations, adjustments, and exception checks have been completed, and payroll is accurate and compliant for payment.
• Reviewing and approving statutory payroll reporting and lodgements, including STP, PAYG withholding, superannuation, workers compensation and other applicable statutory obligations.
• Managing relationships with payroll system providers, salary packaging providers, and external payroll partners.
• Maintaining accurate payroll records and ensure compliance with Fair Work Act legislation and company policies.
• Developing and documenting payroll policies, procedures, and reporting frameworks.
• Providing payroll processing support during peak periods and staff absences.
• Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives across Payroll, HR, and Finance functions.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A Bachelors Degree in Commerce, Accounting, Business, or a related discipline; a Diploma in Payroll; a Certificate IV in Payroll Administration; or equivalent relevant experience.
• Significant experience managing a payroll function in a medium to large organisation.
• Proven people leadership skills, with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop high‑performing payroll teams.
• Strong knowledge of Australian payroll legislation, Modern Awards, National Employment Standards, superannuation, taxation, and payroll compliance requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with exceptional attention to detail and a focus on accuracy.
• Advanced proficiency across Microsoft Office applications and payroll systems, with experience using Chris21.
• The ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining high standards of compliance, customer service, and team performance.

In Return

At Workskil Australia, people come first. Joining the team means becoming part of a purpose‑driven organisation, where wellbeing is a priority, values matter and every employee has the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of individuals and communities across Australia.

In addition, the other benefits you’ll receive are:

• Fortnightly Wellbeing Days to support work‑life balance.
• Competitive salary with access to salary packaging benefits, helping you maximise your take‑home pay.
• Convenient head office location based in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.
• Flexible working arrangements where operationally appropriate.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

Next Steps

This is an excellent opportunity to lead a national payroll function from Adelaide, with the opportunity to influence payroll strategy, contribute to organisational improvements, and lead a dedicated team within a collaborative and values‑driven environment.

Workskil Australia is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer and we particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, applicants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and applicants who have a disability. We deliver a range of employment and community services to children, young people and their families and are committed to creating a safe environment for children and young people in the delivery of these services.