Payroll Officer – Early Childhood Education Organisation

Are you an experienced Payroll Officer ready to make a meaningful impact in a values-driven organisation? We are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Payroll Officer to join our team, supporting staff across our centres.

The Position

Title: Payroll Officer

FTE / Hours per fortnight: 1 FTE / 76 hours per fortnight

Employment Status: Ongoing

Location: Bendigo or Tatura

Other Requirements: WWCC, National Police Check

About the Role
This role is pivotal to the effective and compliant payroll operations of our growing early childhood education organisation. As the Payroll Officer, you will be responsible for managing the end-to-end payroll function across multiple sites, ensuring that all employees are paid accurately and on time in accordance with relevant industrial awards and agreements.

You will work collaboratively with both the Human Resources and Finance teams to maintain accurate employee records, oversee complex payroll calculations, and manage superannuation, leave entitlements, and taxation requirements. A key part of your role will be providing timely and informed support to staff on payroll-related matters, fostering a responsive and service-focused culture.

Additionally, you will contribute to the continuous improvement of payroll systems and processes, help interpret and apply enterprise agreements and modern awards and support internal audits and compliance reporting.

This is a high-trust, high-impact role that plays a central part in ensuring organisational compliance, employee satisfaction, and the integrity of our payroll operations. If you are looking for a meaningful role where your attention to detail and knowledge of payroll compliance can make a tangible difference, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Process end-to-end fortnightly payroll for all staff across our centres.

Interpret and apply provisions from relevant awards, agreements, and employment contracts.

Maintain and update payroll data, including new starters, terminations, leave, and changes to employment conditions.

Ensure compliance with ATO regulations, including PAYG, superannuation, and Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting.

Prepare and reconcile payroll reports and journals for finance processing.

Respond to staff enquiries regarding payslips, leave balances, tax, and superannuation.

Liaise with HR to ensure consistency between HR and payroll records.

Support audits, reporting requirements, and year-end processes including payment summaries and income statements.

Identify opportunities for improving payroll processes and systems.

Selection Criteria

Essential:

Demonstrated experience in end-to-end payroll processing, preferably within the early childhood sector.

Sound knowledge of payroll legislation, taxation, superannuation, and Fair Work compliance.

Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply multiple awards and enterprise agreements, particularly those relevant to early childhood education.

High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Proficiency in using payroll software (e.g. Employment hero, ADP) and Microsoft Excel.

Desirable:

Experience working in an early childhood education environment.

Experience with the use of these software – Employment hero and/or ADP is highly desirable but not essential.

Familiarity with the Children’s Services Award, Educational Services (Teachers) Award, VECA.

What we offer

At Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education and Care, we are committed to providing a supportive and enriching work environment. You will have the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team that spans early childhood, primary and secondary education, with access to ongoing and inspirational professional development and training. We offer a competitive remuneration package with attractive benefits and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of young children.

About us

Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education and Care is a leading provider of high-quality childcare services across central and northern Victoria. Our mission is to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow and thrive. We are committed to the provision of high-quality early childhood education and strive to deliver high educational outcomes and exceptional care for the children in our service.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter along with your response to the selection criteria to [email protected]

For further information, contact: [email protected] or 0448 113 820