Senior Payroll Manager

T+O+M Executive; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

T+O+M Executive is seeking an experienced Payroll Leader to backfill a substantive role for at least 12 months on a fixed-term basis in a high-calibre People Operations function in Australia. The role focuses on process optimisation, governance, and insightful reporting, acting as SME for the Head of People Operations and key stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in integrated HRIS & payroll systems (Dayforce/Workday/SAP SuccessFactors), lead a payroll team, and drive operational

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading payroll in large organisations.
• Strong ability to design and implement process controls.
• Proven expertise in HRIS payroll integration and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Drive excellence in the fortnightly payroll cycle within deadlines.
• Process payroll updates and adjustments in a timely manner.
• Design, implement and monitor payroll controls and processes.
• Manage statutory deductions: Payroll Tax, Superannuation, FBT, Worker's Comp.
• Interpret awards and enterprise agreements accurately.
• Handle complex payroll queries with root-cause analysis.
• Report on payroll operations and workflow improvements.
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure governance.
• Mentor the payroll team and drive continuous improvements.

Skills

Payroll leadership

HRIS integration

Process optimisation

Governance & controls

Tools

Dayforce

Workday

SAP SuccessFactors

Job description

Due to the secondment of the existing Payroll Manager onto a payroll assurance and optimisation project, this large, complex institution is looking for a tenured leader to backfill their substantive role for a minimum of 12 months, on an FTC basis.

As an entrenched and respected team within a high calibre People Operations function, that has adopted an inclusive philosophy. The business is looking for a Payroll Manager who can support and elevate the team, with a focus on process optimisation and operational efficiency.

With a continuous improvement mindset, the successful candidate will create and employ innovative strategies in terms of procedural ingenuity and insightful reporting. To be the subject matter expert, for the Head of People Operations, key cross-functional stakeholders, and the employee base.

In addition, troubleshooting gaps in compliance and potential errors; interrogating & refining the risk and controls framework to ensure rigorous governance. In addition, you will support and integrate changes highlighted by the project, supporting the Payroll Project Lead and Program Manager.

Key responsibilities

• Drive excellence in the delivery of the fortnightly payroll cycle within critical timelines
• Timely processing of payroll updates and adjustments
• Design, implement and monitor process and controls
• Managing all statutory deductions and contributions including Payroll Tax, Superannuation, FBT and Worker's Compensation
• Award and EA interpretation
• Manage complex payroll queries and escalations, applying root-cause analysis
• Reporting and analysis of Payroll Operations - process & workflow
• Proactive monitoring of regulatory and legislative changes
• Provide mentorship and support to the Payroll teamContinuous improvements in terms of payroll process optimisation and streamlining

About you

We are looking for a strong payroll leader with demonstrated experience of integrated HRIS & payroll systems architecture, preferably Dayforce, Workday or SAP Success Factors. You will be an exceptional Payroll Leader who can apply a collective strategy to drive operational excellence and rigorous governance.

The business operates a hybrid model with three days in the office, two from home. This is a rare opportunity to join a function at a senior level; add value to your skillset in an inspiring and rewarding environment.