Senior Payroll Production Team Lead

NSW Department of Customer Service; Parramatta; Hybrid; AUD 133,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Department of Customer Service is seeking a Senior Payroll Production Team Lead to oversee end-to-end payroll processing within SAP Payroll. You will manage a payroll team, ensure fortnightly and off-cycle cycles are accurate, and drive governance, controls and continuous improvement across payroll operations.

Hybrid work arrangement across Parramatta with in-office requirements 2–3 days per week. Join a transformative HR Production team delivering high-quality payroll services to NSW

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading payroll operations in a large, complex organisation.
• Hands-on SAP Payroll experience including production, reporting and governance.
• Experience managing end-to-end payroll processes: reconciliations, GL postings, superannuation, STP obligations.
• Ability to identify and resolve payroll system/process issues while maintaining integrity.
• Proven leadership in coaching and developing payroll teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day payroll operations and fortnightly/off-cycle processing.
• Oversee payroll controls, governance and assurance frameworks for accuracy and compliance.
• Manage reconciliations, GL postings and vendor obligations including superannuation and STP.
• Monitor system performance and drive sustainable process improvements.
• Analyse payroll data and prepare insightful reports for decision-making.
• Build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and provide expert payroll advice.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing payroll team with succession planning.
• Drive continuous improvement across payroll systems and service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, policies, audits and governance standards.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Relevant payroll/finance/HR qualifications

Tools

SAP Payroll

Job description

NSW Department of Customer Service – Parramatta NSW

Salary Range: $133,348 - $146,945 plus superannuation

Employment Type: Ongoing

Location: Orange, Goulburn and Parramatta - Hybrid opportunity. In-office requirement 2-3 days a week as a minimum, which could be subject to change based on applicable DCS workplace policies.

Application Closing: 27 October 2026 [10:59am]

About Us

Department of Customer Service (DCS) transforms the way NSW Government agencies interact with customers. We are passionate about putting the customer at the centre of everything we do and adopting new technologies to make Government work better. DCS is a service provider and regulator, focusing on delivering first-class customer service, digital transformation, and regulatory reform to create better outcomes for the people of NSW.

About the team

Government Shared Services (GSS) is a new division in DCS that is leading the way in streamlining processes and transactional shared services to allow our people to better focus on their customers and delivering their services.

We are developing and delivering a roadmap to leverage technology, streamline processes, replace legacy systems and deliver a consistent experience to more than 100+ agencies across 8 NSW Government Departments.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Production Team Lead to join our HR Production and Transformation team in Government Shared Services (GSS).

This is a leadership position overseeing end-to-end payroll production, reporting, compliance, controls and assurance activities across a large and complex SAP payroll environment. Lead a team of payroll professional to ensure accurate and timely payroll outcomes, drive continuous improvement, maintain consistency of payroll systems, processes and controls. Work closely with internal teams, government agencies and key stakeholders to lead payroll governance activities and contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance service delivery and operational excellence.

What You Will Do

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Payroll Production team, ensuring the successful delivery of fortnightly and off-cycle payroll processing.
• Oversee payroll controls, assurance activities and governance frameworks to ensure payroll accuracy, compliance and risk mitigation.
• Manage payroll reconciliations, general ledger posting activities and payroll-related vendor obligations, including superannuation and Single Touch Payroll requirements.
• Monitor payroll system performance, identify process issues and defects, and collaborate with stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions.
• Analyse payroll data and prepare reports, insights and recommendations to support decision-making and operational outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, providing expert payroll advice and support.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing payroll team, building capability, resilience and succession strength.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across payroll systems, processes and service delivery to enhance customer outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, audit requirements and payroll governance standards.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Extensive experience leading payroll operations within a large, complex organisation.
• Strong working knowledge and hands-on experience with SAP Payroll, including payroll production, reporting, payroll controls and assurance frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end payroll processes, including reconciliations, payroll compliance, general ledger posting, superannuation and Single Touch Payroll obligations.
• Proven ability to identify, investigate and resolve payroll system and process issues while maintaining the integrity of payroll operations.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to coach, mentor and develop payroll teams to achieve high-quality outcomes.
• Advanced stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence and provide expert advice to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with experience using payroll data and reporting to drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• A customer-focused mindset and commitment to delivering high-quality payroll services in a complex service delivery environment.
• Relevant qualifications and/or significant equivalent experience in payroll, finance, HR operations or a related discipline.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into meaningful business outcomes.

What we need from you

An up-to-date CV (max 5 pages) and a cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining how your knowledge, skills and experience are aligned to the role. In your cover letter please share your motivation for applying for this position and your relevant skills.

Please note that assessments will be conducted for this role. This involves submitting your application for review, an interview, workplace assessment and reference checks.
A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for future temporary or ongoing vacancies in roles with similar capability requirements

The following Focus Capabilities will be assessed during the recruitment process:

• Display Resilience and Courage (Adept)
• Act with Integrity (Adept)
• Communicate Effectively (Advanced)
• Commit to Customer Service (Advanced)
• Deliver Results (Adept)
• Think and Solve Problems (Adept)
• Manage and Develop People (Adept)

Salary Grade 9/10, with the base salary for this role starting at $133,348 base plus superannuation

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for future temporary or ongoing vacancies in roles with similar capability requirements

A talent pool may be created as part of this recruitment process and will be valid for up to 18 months. The talent pool may be used to fill future ongoing or temporary vacancies of the same or similar role.

Closing Date: 27 October 2026

Careers at Department of Customer Service

A career at the Department of Customer Service (DCS) gives you the opportunity to help improve government services and be part of reform that benefits people across NSW. We are focused on delivering excellent customer service, digital transformation, and regulatory reform. Come join us and influence the future of our great state.

Belong in our diverse and inclusive workplace

The strength of our workforce lies in its diversity and embracing difference, while the key to our success is leveraging the contributions of employees with different backgrounds and perspectives.

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Information on some of the different types of disabilities

Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process