We are seeking a People Services Officer (Payroll) to join our team, working to provide comprehensive payroll services to the staff of the Reef Authority. In this role, you will ensure the accurate and timely processing of employee salaries and entitlements, as well as conduct research and analysis to resolve moderately complex payroll issues, ensuring quality assurance across the team.

As a valued member of our team, you will provide sound advice to managers and staff on salaries, entitlements, and conditions of service, including superannuation and workers compensation. You will also maintain electronic record-keeping, interpret relevant legislation, and ensure compliance with payroll-related guidelines and policies. Your strong interpersonal and communication skills will be essential in delivering high-level customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.

We are looking for an experienced professional with a solid understanding of personnel practices and procedures, as well as proficiency in using Human Resources Information Management Systems, preferably Aurion. Your ability to manage competing deadlines and contribute to overall team performance and efficiency will be key to your success in this role.

While Townsville, QLD is the preferred location, we welcome applications from candidates based in Cairns, Airlie Beach, Gladstone, Yeppoon, Canberra

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality payroll services including processing salary, leave, entitlements, PAYG taxation, superannuation, and payroll deductions, ensuring accurate calculations and data management within the Human Resources Information Management System (HRIMS) (Aurion), in compliance with the Reef Authority’s Enterprise Agreement and relevant legislation, policies, and guidelines.
• Advise managers and staff on matters related to salaries, entitlements, and employment conditions, including superannuation, workers’ compensation, and maternity leave in accordance with relevant federal legislation.
• Address standard payroll queries and ensure timely completion of payroll compliance tasks, including the accurate processing of PAYG taxation and superannuation contributions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for standard payroll inquiries from both external stakeholders and internal clients, including preparing and distributing payroll-related correspondence, to ensure employees receive accurate and timely information regarding their entitlements and employment conditions.
• Maintain expertise in HRIMS, providing system training and support to staff, and ensuring that all policies, procedures, and user guides are up to date and accurate.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Excellent working knowledge of the payroll functions including the processing of complex payroll transactions in accordance with documented processes and procedures.
• Strong communication and customer services skills and an ability to build and sustain strong working relationships across all operational levels.
• Exceptional organisational, prioritisation and problem solving skills.
• Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation and policy to deliver business outcomes.
• High level understanding of contemporary payroll practices.
• The ability to respond to changing workloads and priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in your work.
• The ability to work effectively both within the team and autonomously, contributing to a positive team environment.

Essential requirements

• Proficiency in using Human Resources Information Management Systems (HRIMS), preferably Aurion.
• Ability to understand and interpret Australian payroll related legislations (such as the Public Service Act 1999, Maternity Leave Act 1973, Long Service Leave Act 1976, Superannuation Legislation and Acts and the National Employment Standards) and policies of the Australian Taxation Office, Australian Public Service Commission, Fair Work Australia, and Remuneration Tribunal and human resources best practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable qualifications or equivalent experience

• Previous experience within an Australian Public Service payroll setting.
• Experience in extracting and analysing data from Human Resources systems, preferably in Aurion.

About the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority: The Reef Authority is dedicated to the long-term protection, ecologically sustainable use, and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef. We work closely with stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, marine industries, and local communities, to deliver positive environmental outcomes and ensure the Reef’s resilience.

At the Reef Authority, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and leadership at all levels and promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Take the next step in your career—apply now to join our team and make a difference!