Payroll Manager | Multi-Entity Business

Orange Human Resources; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange Human Resources is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead a complex, multi-entity Australian payroll function in a fast-paced business. You will take end-to-end ownership of payroll operations, systems, compliance and continuous improvement across jurisdictions.

You will work with Finance and People & Culture, oversee offshore payroll resources, and ensure award interpretation and legislative obligations are met. Strong Excel and attention to detail are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex, multi-entity Australian payrolls.
• Strong knowledge of relevant Australian awards (RDA, Storage Services, Wholesale and Retail industry awards).
• Proven ability to interpret awards, configure pay rules and manage complex pay conditions.
• Solid understanding of payroll compliance, statutory obligations and tax rules.
• Experience coordinating offshore payroll resources and driving accuracy.
• Advanced Excel skills with strong reconciliation ability.
• Excellent stakeholder communication and problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Own the accurate and timely delivery of payroll across multiple entities and jurisdictions.
• Manage and optimise Employment Hero payroll configuration and rules.
• Apply award interpretation and ensure compliance with legislation and standards.
• Oversee payroll reconciliations, reporting, and data integrity.
• Coordinate offshore payroll resources and ensure service delivery.
• Identify and implement workflow improvements and automation opportunities.
• Support audits and address payroll discrepancies with proactive solutions.
• Collaborate with Finance and People & Culture on complex payroll matters.

Skills

Multi-entity payroll

Offshore payroll coordination

Advanced Excel

Award interpretation

Payroll compliance

Stakeholder management

Process improvement

Tools

Employment Hero

Job description

We're seeking an exceptional Payroll Manager to take ownership of a complex, multi-entity payroll function within a large, fast-paced Australian business. Reporting into senior leadership, you'll have end-to-end accountability for payroll operations, systems, compliance and continuous improvement. You'll be expected to understand how payroll works at every level, from award interpretation and system configuration through to reconciliations, reporting and legislative obligations.

Key responsibilities

• Own the accurate and timely delivery of payroll across multiple entities, employment types and jurisdictions
• Manage and optimise Employment Hero payroll, including configuration, pay rules, award interpretation, allowances, overtime, penalties and system integrity
• Apply and maintain detailed knowledge of the Road Transport and Distribution Award, Storage Services and Wholesale Award, and General Retail Industry Award, including relevant enterprise agreements where applicable
• Ensure compliance with the Fair Work Act, National Employment Standards, superannuation, taxation and other statutory obligations
• Oversee payroll reconciliations, exception reporting, leave liabilities, payroll journals and reporting accuracy
• Lead, coordinate and hold an offshore payroll resource accountable for processing accuracy, data integrity and service delivery
• Identify configuration issues, strengthen payroll controls, improve workflows and drive automation
• Support internal and external audits, investigate discrepancies and manage payroll-related compliance risks
• Work closely with Finance, People & Culture and operational leaders to resolve complex payroll matters and provide accurate, commercially relevant advice

About you

• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-entity Australian payrolls
• Strong technical knowledge of the Road Transport and Distribution Award, Storage Services and Wholesale Award, and General Retail Industry Award
• Proven capability in award interpretation, payroll configuration, overtime, penalties, allowances and complex pay conditions
• Strong understanding of Australian payroll legislation, statutory obligations and compliance requirements
• Experience managing or coordinating offshore payroll resources
• Advanced Excel skills, strong reconciliation capability and exceptional attention to detail
• The confidence to investigate discrepancies, challenge assumptions and resolve complex payroll issues
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to communicate payroll matters clearly
• A continuous improvement mindset, with experience strengthening payroll processes, systems and controls