Payroll Specialist

Comco Talent Pty; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Comco Talent Pty, Perth-based not-for-profit client, seeks a Senior Payroll Specialist to lead end-to-end payroll across the organisation and its entities. This hands-on role focuses on award interpretation, compliance and complex calculations, while mentoring a small team and advising leadership on payroll matters.

You will report to the Group Financial Controller, supervise a Payroll Officer, and collaborate with People and Culture, Finance, and stakeholders across regional WA sites.

Qualifications

• Diploma in payroll or a related field is required.
• 2+ years' experience in a similar payroll role is required.
• National Police Clearance (or willingness to obtain)
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Sound judgement handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing accurate, on-time payroll processing for employees and paid site-based workers across fortnightly and monthly cycles.
• Overseeing the preparation and processing of stipend-style payments for eligible personnel.
• Interpreting and applying Western Australian Awards and common law contracts.
• Ensuring compliance with superannuation, PAYG withholding, Single Touch Payroll, workers' compensation, and other statutory obligations.
• Acting as the escalation point for complex payroll matters such as redundancy calculations, long service leave, and other entitlements.
• Supervising, mentoring, and building capability within the payroll team.
• Partnering with the Group Financial Controller and Chief, People and Culture on legislative change, state wage case updates, and reporting.
• Driving continuous improvement in payroll systems and processes.
• Supporting internal and external audits with accurate documentation.

Skills

Payroll experience

Education

Diploma in payroll or related field

Tools

Payroll software

Job description

Our client, an established Perth-based not-for-profit, is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to lead the end-to-end payroll function across the organisation and its affiliated entities. This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who enjoys the technical side of payroll (award interpretation, compliance, and complex calculations) while also mentoring a small team and being the trusted voice on payroll matters for leadership.

You will report to the Group Financial Controller, supervise a Payroll Officer, and work closely with People and Culture, Finance, and stakeholders across regional WA sites.

What you will be doing

• Overseeing accurate, on-time payroll processing for employees and paid site-based workers across fortnightly and monthly cycles
• Overseeing the preparation and processing of stipend-style payments for eligible personnel
• Interpreting and applying Western Australian Awards and common law contracts
• Ensuring compliance with superannuation, PAYG withholding, Single Touch Payroll, workers' compensation, and other statutory obligations
• Acting as the escalation point for complex payroll matters such as redundancy calculations, long service leave, and other entitlements
• Supervising, mentoring, and building capability within the payroll team
• Partnering with the Group Financial Controller and Chief, People and Culture on legislative change, state wage case updates, and reporting
• Driving continuous improvement in payroll systems and processes
• Supporting internal and external audits with accurate documentation

What you will bring

• Diploma in payroll or a related field
• 2+ years' experience in a similar payroll role
• National Police Clearance (or willingness to obtain)
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Sound judgement handling confidential information

Highly Regarded

• In-depth knowledge of WA payroll laws and regulations
• Strong grasp of WA Awards and external reporting requirements, including journal posting
• Proficiency in advanced payroll software and the Microsoft Office Suite
• Confident communication and leadership skills

Why this role

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a payroll function that spans a diverse and mission-driven organisation, one where your technical expertise directly supports the people across the organisation and its sites. You will have the scope to shape processes, mentor a colleague, and be recognised as the go-to payroll expert at the leadership table.

We are looking for someone who brings not just technical rigour but a service mindset and a willingness to work within, and support, the values and ethos that underpin our client's workplace culture.