Payroll Specialist

Dayforce; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Dayforce seeks a Payroll Specialist II to join our Melbourne-based team, handling end-to-end payroll operations for Australian clients. You’ll manage taxes, benefits, LTC and related processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and compliance under local laws.

The ideal candidate has payroll experience in Australia, knowledge of Dayforce aPay, and the ability to resolve complex issues with a collaborative, customer-focused approach. Join a global HCM leader delivering reliable payroll services.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in HR, Business, Finance, Accounting/Taxation, or related discipline.
• 1–3+ years of end-to-end payroll experience across Australia with knowledge of local legislation and compliance.
• Experience using Dayforce aPay system, or similar payroll systems and technologies.
• Relevant industry certifications (or willingness to obtain certification post-employment).
• Strong communication skills, with ability to convey technical information clearly to customers and team members.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and manage multiple demands.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full payroll lifecycle, including taxes, benefits, and related processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, reconciliation, and proper transmission.
• Process payroll-related changes, tax forms, and payments accurately within required timelines for assigned customers.
• Perform quality control checks and audits to maintain high accuracy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve payroll issues and employee inquiries.
• Update and review standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrate accountability for payroll deliverables from initiation to completion.

Skills

Payroll domain knowledge

Dayforce/aPay experience

Australian payroll compliance

Communication skills

Problem solving

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Finance

Tools

Dayforce aPay system

Job description

Dayforce is a global human capital management (HCM) company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, with operations across North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), and the Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) region.

Our award-winning Cloud HCM platform offers a unified solution database and continuous calculation engine, driving efficiency, productivity and compliance for the global workforce.

Our brand promise - Makes Work Life Better™- Reflects our commitment to employees, customers, partners and communities globally.

About the opportunity

Dayforce is currently seeking a Payroll Specialist II to join our Dayforce Managed Team. The Payroll Specialist II is responsible for processing end to end payroll for Australia.

We service our customers by supporting the complete employee life cycle including payroll, workforce management, benefits, and contact centre, allowing the customer to focus on their core business.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in payroll and a strong working knowledge of benefits, workforce management and tax. They will also interface with customers and use critical thinking skills to resolve complex problems.

What you’ll get to do

• Abide by Dayforce’s Code of Conduct, Values and Policies and Procedures
• Be aware of and comply with all Dayforce and customer Information Security protocols
• Adherent to all Information Security Standards Policies and Procedures
• Manage the full payroll lifecycle, including taxes, benefits, and associated processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, reconciliation, and proper transmission.
• Process payroll-related changes, tax forms, and payments accurately and within required timelines for assigned customers.
• Perform quality control checks and audits to maintain a low error rate and high standards of accuracy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve payroll issues and employee inquiries, providing daily support and subject matter expertise.
• Provide payroll support services to customers according to Dayforce contract, legislative requirements, and business needs.
• Update and review standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrate an “I own it” mindset, taking full accountability for payroll deliverables from initiation to completion.
• Manage customer-related tasks within case management systems, ensuring documentation is accurate, complete, and timely.
• Proactively manage monthly and year-end payroll auditing and processing
• Identify risks, opportunities, and process improvements, taking proactive action to enhance efficiency and outcomes.
• Drive customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality service.
• Act as an effective and collaborative team member, contributing to team success.
• Proactively identify and escal ate risks as needed.
• Meet or exceed established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Execute corrective and preventative action plans to address process gaps or issues.
• Manage customer complaints proactively, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Deliver tasks in accordance with agreed schedules, procedures, and quality standards.
• Participate in training and development opportunities to build skills and knowledge.Actively seek, receive, and apply feedback to support continuous professional development.

Skills and experience we value

• Tertiary qualification (Degree or associate degree) in Human Resources, Business, Finance, Accounting/Taxation, or a related discipline.
• 1- 3+ years of end-to-end payroll experience across Australia, with strong knowledge of local legislation and compliance requirements.
• Experience using Dayforce aPay system, or similar payroll systems and technologies.
• Relevant industry certifications (or a willingness to obtain certification post-employment).
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and effectively to customers and team members.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines, effectively prioritising tasks and managing competing demands.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Process and detail-oriented with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.