We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Payroll Operations Manager to lead join our client, a fast-paced and growing utilities business. Based in our Melbourne CBD office, the Payroll Operations Manager will oversee the end-to-end payroll function, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and timely processing for a large and diverse workforce. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of payroll operations, particularly in the utilities industry.
Payroll Management: Oversee the accurate and timely processing of payroll for employees across various departments, ensuring adherence to company policies, industry standards, and legislative requirements.
Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop the payroll team, providing guidance and support to ensure high performance and continuous improvement. Foster a collaborative and proactive work environment.
Compliance & Legislation: Stay up-to-date with all relevant federal, state, and industry-specific payroll legislation and regulations. Ensure that payroll is compliant with tax laws, awards, enterprise agreements, and other legal requirements.
Payroll Systems Management: Maintain and improve payroll software and systems, working closely with the IT department to ensure data accuracy, system enhancements, and troubleshooting when necessary.
Reporting & Analytics: Prepare and deliver regular payroll reports to management, including analysis of payroll data, trends, and key metrics to inform business decisions.
Audit & Risk Management: Perform internal audits and address any discrepancies, ensuring controls are in place to mitigate payroll-related risks. Manage any external audits relating to payroll processes.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with HR, Finance, and other departments to address payroll-related queries and resolve issues. Build strong working relationships with key stakeholders across the business.
Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes, increase efficiencies, and implement best practices. Lead initiatives to enhance the employee payroll experience.
Employee Communication: Provide clear communication to employees regarding payroll-related matters, including pay changes, tax implications, superannuation, and benefits.
Education: Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years' experience in a senior payroll management role, ideally within the utilities or similar large-scale industry. Strong experience with end-to-end payroll processing and payroll systems.
Technical Skills: Proficient in payroll software (e.g., Chris21, SAP, or similar), Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel), and payroll-related systems. Familiarity with Australian payroll regulations, tax laws, and superannuation requirements.
Leadership: Proven ability to lead and manage a payroll team, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Attention to Detail: Exceptional attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy and quality in all aspects of payroll operations.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to resolve payroll discrepancies or system issues effectively.
Confidentiality & Integrity: Ability to handle sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.
Utilities Sector Experience: Familiarity with the specific payroll needs and challenges within the utilities sector is highly advantageous.
Compliance Management: Experience in implementing process improvements or managing change initiatives within payroll operations.
If you're a payroll expert with a passion for leading high-performance teams and improving operational efficiency, we invite you to apply for the Payroll Operations Manager role.
