Team Leader - Payroll Services

DISR; United States; Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Industry, Science and Resources in Canberra is seeking an APS 6 Team Leader in Payroll Services to lead a high-performing payroll team serving multiple Commonwealth agencies. You will deliver accurate payroll processing, ensure quality assurance, and guide staff through complex payroll matters while aligning with government policies and enterprise agreements.

You will foster a collaborative, inclusive culture, engage with client agencies, and drive continuous improvement in payroll

Qualifications

• Australian citizenship and Baseline security clearance.
• APS6 level leadership experience in payroll or shared services.
• Proven ability to manage payroll for multiple client agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support fortnightly payroll for multiple client agencies.
• Manage team workloads and priorities to meet service standards.
• Undertake quality assurance activities and monitor performance.
• Provide coaching and development opportunities to team members.
• Deliver guidance on payroll legislation, policies and enterprise agreements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with client agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Organisational capability

Policy understanding

Problem solving

APS values

Aurion

ServiceNow

Microsoft Office

Tools

Aurion

ServiceNow

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

The Financial and Shared Services Branch (FSSB) is responsible for delivering the department's financial functions and shared services to a range of Commonwealth client agencies.

The Shared Services Hub (the Hub) was established in 2017 as part of the Australian Government's shared services agenda. The Hub supports a number of client agencies by delivering contemporary, efficient and customer-focused payroll and finance system administration services, helping agencies meet their operational, legislative and governance obligations.

The Payroll team plays a critical role in delivering accurate and timely payroll services to thousands of employees across multiple Commonwealth agencies. The team is responsible for a broad range of payroll activities, including employee commencements and separations, leave and allowance administration, payroll processing, payroll enquiries, quality assurance activities and compliance with relevant legislation, policies and enterprise agreements. The team works closely with client agencies to resolve complex payroll matters, provide advice and support positive employee outcomes.

Working in the Payroll team provides an opportunity to contribute to an essential government service, work across a diverse client base and build expertise in payroll operations, service delivery, customer engagement and continuous improvement within a dynamic shared services environment.

The opportunity

As an APS 6 Team Leader in Payroll Services, you will play a key leadership role in a high-performing team responsible for delivering payroll services to multiple Commonwealth agencies. The Shared Services Hub delivers more than 16,000 payslips each fortnight and supports agencies through the provision of accurate, timely and customer-focused payroll services.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team within a dynamic shared services environment that values collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement. The Hub is committed to delivering high-quality services, meeting agreed performance standards and building strong partnerships with client agencies through regular engagement, responsive support and a focus on service excellence.

As a Team Leader, you will oversee the delivery of a broad range of payroll activities, manage team priorities, monitor workloads and support the resolution of complex payroll matters. You will provide leadership and guidance to staff, foster a positive and inclusive team culture, and contribute to initiatives that strengthen service delivery, operational performance and client outcomes.

The role offers the opportunity to work closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, contribute to continuous improvement activities and play a direct role in supporting the delivery of critical government services.

We are committed to the APS Values and creating a workplace where people can thrive. You will have access to a range of learning and development opportunities, leadership experiences and professional growth pathways to support your ongoing career development.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunities to build expertise across a range of payroll disciplines,
• Exposure to a diverse range of projects and initiatives
• A clear pathway for professional growth
• The opportunity to work closely with client agencies
• A collaborative, professional and forward-looking team culture
• Experience working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Flexible working arrangements
• Access to learning and development opportunities

Our ideal candidate

We are seeking motivated and adaptable leaders who are passionate about service delivery, people leadership and continuous improvement.

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven leadership capability, including the ability to motivate others, build team capability and create an inclusive and high-performing workplace culture.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and customer service capability, including the judgement and interpersonal skills needed to establish trust, manage expectations and resolve matters constructively.
• Excellent organisational capability, demonstrated through sound planning, prioritisation and the ability to maintain accuracy and momentum when demands change.
• Sound judgement, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• The ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies, procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to complex payroll and employment-related matters.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly, adapt advice for different audiences and support informed decision-making.
• Demonstrated understanding of information management, privacy, confidentiality and governance obligations, and the ability to apply them consistently in an operational environment.
• Resilience, initiative and adaptability, including the ability to identify practical improvements, respond constructively to change and sustain performance through periods of operational pressure.
• A demonstrated commitment to APS Values, diversity, inclusion and respectful workplace behaviours.

The following experience would be highly regarded:

• Experience working in payroll, shared services or a related service delivery environment.
• Experience using payroll systems such as Aurion and workflow management systems such as ServiceNow
• Experience applying assurance, quality review or compliance insights to strengthen controls, processes or service outcomes
• Experience managing sensitive, complex or escalated matters in a service delivery environment.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and reporting tools.
• An understanding of APS employment conditions, Enterprise Agreements, payroll legislation and public sector operating environments.

As an APS 6 Payroll Team Leader, you will play a key role in leading payroll service delivery, supporting staff and contributing to ongoing improvements across the Shared Services Hub. You will:

• Lead and support a team responsible for delivering fortnightly payroll services, payroll enquiries and related correspondence for multiple client agencies.
• Manage team workloads and priorities to ensure services are delivered accurately, efficiently and within agreed service standards.
• Undertake quality assurance activities and monitor performance to support high-quality payroll outcomes.
• Provide leadership, coaching and development opportunities to team members, building capability and fostering a positive team culture.
• Manage complex payroll matters and provide guidance on payroll legislation, policies, enterprise agreements and employment conditions.
• Deliver clear, practical and accurate advice to stakeholders, including client agencies and internal teams.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen payroll processes, controls and service delivery outcomes.
• Support onboarding and transition activities for new client agencies, employees and service offerings where required.
• Participate in assurance, compliance and quality activities, including reviewing controls, identifying improvement opportunities and supporting audit responses.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with client agencies through effective stakeholder engagement and issue resolution.
• Contribute to projects and business improvement initiatives that enhance payroll services, systems and client outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records and payroll data in accordance with privacy, information management and governance requirements.
• Support the development, review and continuous improvement of SOPs, guidance material and operational documentation.
• Promote collaboration across Payroll, Client Engagement, Systems, Assurance and other Hub teams to deliver integrated service outcomes.
• This role offers excellent opportunities to broaden your career across payroll operations, client engagement, onboarding activities, assurance, compliance, systems administration, continuous improvement and project delivery while developing leadership skills in a complex shared services environment.

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the da the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

The department currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This position is based in Canberra (Industry House), although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered for the right candidate. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Flexible working arrangements are available, subject to operational requirements, and we actively support a healthy and balanced approach to work.