Payroll Operations Lead - Compliance & Transformation

The Next Step; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Next Step Recruitment is seeking a Payroll Operations Lead in Sydney, NSW, Australia. This initial 3–4 month contract role will lead and develop a team of Payroll Officers while ensuring accurate, compliant payroll operations within a complex environment.

You will partner with HR and Finance to drive process improvements, system enhancements, and operational efficiencies. The role requires ADP payroll experience, strong governance, and a detail-oriented approach.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading payroll teams in medium to large organisations with a mix of blue and white collar employees.
• Strong ADP payroll experience and ability to navigate system enhancements.
• Deep understanding of awards, Enterprise Agreements, allowances and payroll compliance.
• Experience supporting shift-based and rostered workforces.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with complex payroll reconciliations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight across payroll operations.
• Support and develop a team of Payroll Officers.
• Ensure payroll compliance with legislation, awards and company policies.
• Act as the escalation point for complex payroll matters.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support payroll transformation activities.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance and operational stakeholders to strengthen payroll processes and controls.
• Support payroll system enhancements, testing and optimisation projects.
• Maintain a strong focus on payroll accuracy, compliance and operational excellence.

Skills

People leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Attention to detail

Tools

ADP payroll system

Excel (Advanced)

Job description

The Next Step Recruitment is seeking a Payroll Operations Lead in Sydney, NSW, Australia. This initial 3–4 month contract role will lead and develop a team of Payroll Officers while ensuring accurate, compliant payroll operations within a complex environment.

You will partner with HR and Finance to drive process improvements, system enhancements, and operational efficiencies. The role requires ADP payroll experience, strong governance, and a detail-oriented approach.