The Senior Payroll Advisor is responsible for overseeing complex payroll operations, ensuring compliance with Australian legislation and enterprise agreements. This role leads payroll governance, audits, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives, with a strong focus on system enhancements, including award interpretation and long service leave updates.
Acting as a senior subject matter expert, the advisor supports project delivery, mentors team members, and provides leadership coverage when needed. The role collaborates with HR, Finance, and IT to resolve complex payroll issues, drive process efficiency, and ensure seamless integration of payroll systems and practices.

Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance with tax, superannuation, and industrial obligations.
• Lead payroll audits, reconciliations, and risk assessments, proactively addressing compliance risks.
• Support and drive key payroll initiatives, including remediation projects, system upgrades, and process improvements.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement solutions to enhance payroll accuracy, automation, and operational efficiency.
• Monitor legislative changes and maintain up-to-date payroll policies aligned with legal and corporate requirements.
• Provide strategic input into payroll system enhancements and regulatory compliance.
• Mentor and guide Payroll Consultants and Analysts, ensuring high performance and technical accuracy.
• Act as a senior escalation point for complex payroll queries and dispute resolution.
• Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, IT, and Legal teams on payroll compliance and audits.
• Deliver executive-level reporting and insights on payroll operations, risks, and compliance.

Experience desired:

• Over 10 years' experience in Australian payroll compliance, including tax, superannuation, leave, and reporting
• Extensive end-to-end payroll processing within large, complex environments.
• 5+ years managing high-volume in-house payroll operations.
• SAP SuccessFactors experience is a non-negotiable
• Strong leadership across multi-disciplinary teams with a focus on positive team culture and performance.
• Skilled in interpreting Modern Awards and enterprise agreements.
• Proven track record in payroll system implementations and upgrades.
• Experienced in setting and managing operational budgets.
• Ability to influence across all levels of business and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Effective in strategic planning and aligning payroll with business objectives.
• Strong conflict resolution, performance management, and negotiation skills.
• International liaison experience with overseas entities and compliance matters.
• Confident communicator with strong presentation and organisational skills.
• Qualifications in business (degree-level preferred); project management certification a plus.