Payroll Specialist

Bellingen Shire Council; Bellingen Shire Council; Hybrid; AUD 88,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent full-time 35 hours/wk

Fitness Passport

Wellbeing programs

Hybrid and flexible work

Salary packaging options

AU$87,687.56–AU$99,961.43 per year

Job summary

Bellingen Shire Council is seeking a Payroll Specialist to independently manage an end-to-end payroll function for ~170 employees. You will interpret the NSW Local Government (State) Award and handle complex payroll matters across varied occupations and working arrangements.

The successful candidate will have payroll qualifications or equivalent experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to deliver reliable guidance to supervisors and staff while maintaining confidentiality and

Qualifications

• Payroll qualifications or equivalent knowledge gained through experience.
• Experience interpreting and applying the NSW Local Government (State) Award is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end processing of Council’s weekly payroll for ~170 employees.
• Interpret and apply the NSW Local Government (State) Award and manage complex payroll matters.
• Prepare payroll reporting and provide clear and timely advice to supervisors and employees.

Job description

Are you an experienced payroll professional with the capability to independently manage a complex, end-to-end payroll function? Join our team as Payroll Specialist and use your technical expertise to deliver accurate, timely payroll services and trusted advice across Council’s diverse workforce.

About Us

Working with us means more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to make a real difference at a local level. We’re a small but impactful council known for innovation, collaboration, and community connection. With around 170 dedicated employees, our team is passionate about delivering services that support the people and places that make our shire special.

Bellingen Shire is a picturesque and diverse area located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and just south of Coffs Harbour. Covering 1,605 square kilometres with around 10km of coastline, the region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty – from lush rainforests and pristine rivers to the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. Our towns and villages are known for their charm, creativity and strong community spirit.

Living and working here offers the perfect blend of lifestyle and purpose. With a focus on sustainability, cultural richness, and a warm, welcoming community, Bellingen Shire is an inspiring place to grow your career, enjoy work-life balance, and contribute to something meaningful.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Accountant, this role is responsible for the accurate and timely end-to-end processing of Council’s weekly payroll for approximately 170 employees. Working across a diverse workforce with varied occupations and working arrangements, the role interprets and applies the NSW Local Government (State) Award and manages complex payroll matters, including shift work, overtime, call-outs, allowances, employee entitlements, terminations, taxation, superannuation and statutory obligations. The role also completes payroll reporting and provides clear, reliable guidance to supervisors and employees.

The ideal candidate will have relevant payroll qualifications or equivalent knowledge gained through experience, together with demonstrated experience independently managing end-to-end payroll in a complex award-based environment. Experience interpreting and applying the NSW Local Government (State) Award will be highly regarded, however, substantial payroll experience under another complex award or industrial instrument will also be considered.

To succeed in the role, you will have strong payroll skills, a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, and the ability to interpret industrial instruments and resolve complex payroll and entitlement matters. You will be able to prioritise competing tasks, consistently meet weekly payroll deadlines, prepare accurate reports, and provide clear and timely advice while maintaining confidentiality and delivering high-quality customer service.

On offer

Working for Bellingen Shire Council provides access to a range of benefits and employment conditions, including:

• Permanent full-time employment, 35 hours per week with access to monthly rostered day off
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Access to employee wellbeing programs
• Access to hybrid and flexible work arrangements in line with Award provisions, subject to operational requirements
• Salary packaging options
• Annual salary of $87,687.56 to $99,961.43 (plus super).

Still Have Questions?

• For further information regarding this role please contact Phil West, Senior Accountant, on 02 6655 7300.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available. To be eligible for a continuing role, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold Australian permanent residency.

Temporary visa holders may be considered for a fixed-term appointment aligned with the duration of their visa, depending on the needs of the role and the business unit.

Applications close: Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 4pm

As part of the recruitment process, suitable candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening which can include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessments, psychometric testing, and drug and alcohol screening (where relevant to the role). We may also review publicly available information (such as social media) and, with your consent, contact previous employers not listed on your application.

Our recruitment process is managed via system generated emails. Please ensure your email address is entered correctly to avoid missing important updates and outcomes. Notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, reference requests, and application outcomes. Remember to check your email regularly, including your junk/spam folder.

Bellingen Shire Council as an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidates of all ages, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and people who have lived experience of disability to apply to work with us.

Bellingen Shire Council is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.

If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6655 7300 or [e-mail]. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.