Firbank is seeking a highly competent and approachable Senior Payroll/Accounts Payable Officer, to lead the staff payroll and accounts payable function. This is a collaborative role that will provide administrative assistance to the Finance and People and Culture departments, as well as the CCO.

The successful candidate will have strong payroll data management and end-to-end payroll process skills, with experience either leading a payroll team, or processing a full end-to-end payroll independently. They will bring a high-level understanding of employment and industrial relations laws that impact payroll processing including NES, Award and Enterprise Agreement Interpretation and application. They will also operate ethically, honestly, and always exercise confidentiality, sensitivity, and discretion.

Please submit a cover letter within your application, outlining your prior end-to-end payroll experience, and why you would be a good fit for this position.

Position Details: This is a full-time, ongoing role with a September start (flexible for the right candidate). This role has an average of 38 hours per week.

Total package: $96k - 102k p.a dependent on experience.

Applications close: September 7th, 2025 (Suitable candidates will be interviewed before this date, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible).

Key Responsibilities:
Payroll:

• Prepare and process accurate, timely payroll in line with EBAs, awards, contracts, superannuation, and taxation requirements.
• Maintain leave records and salary packaging, including fringe benefits.
• Ensure correct general ledger coding, payslip descriptions, and adherence to school procedures and deadlines.
• Process terminations in line with ATO and ETP rules.
• Maintain confidentiality and regularly review employee files and entitlements.
• Generate salary review files and manage excessive leave balances proactively.
• Support accurate reporting of payroll statistics and sick leave data.
• Proactively assist with optimising the current Payroll System (Synergetic).

Accounts Payable:

• Provide guidance to the Accounts Payable Officer (0.5FTE) to ensure the timely processing of invoices and excellent communication with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Budget:

• Assist with annual payroll budgeting and evaluation.
• Prepare FTE and salary files. Identify and correct budget discrepancies.
• Contribute insights to improve payroll processes.

Preparation of Monthly/Annual Returns:

• Complete PAYG returns and statutory reporting (ABS, ASBA, AHISA, DEEWR, WorkCover).
• Ensure all returns are accurate, timely, and compliant with legislative requirements.

Preparation of Financial Returns (End of Year):

• Prepare end-of-year leave schedules, salary accruals, and annual leave loading.
• Deliver accurate reports with no audit adjustments.

People and Culture Department Support:

• Confirm pay rates for contracts and respond to staff payroll and leave queries.
• Maintain payroll records in Synergetic in partnership with People & Culture.
• Support onboarding and present at staff inductions.
• Provide admin support during peak periods and staff absences.

Key attributes:

• Efficient planning, organisation and time management skills, ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• A strong bias towards achievement and customer service with a focus on outcomes.
• Display self-confidence with a sense of initiative and flexibility.
• Ability to keep certain matters confidential.

Qualifications and experience:

• Hands-on senior payroll experience essential. Experience using Synergetic will be highly regarded.
• Ability to autonomously handle all aspects of the School end-to-end payroll.
• Accounts Payable experience is preferred, but not a necessity.
• Thorough understanding of the School’s accounting and budgets.
• Ability to prioritise.
• Knowledge of relevant awards, Collective Agreement, legislation, etc. and application of that knowledge.
• Current Working With Children Check (employee)(or willingness to obtain).
• Current First Aid certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Current Police Check (or willingness to obtain).

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About Firbank Grammar School
For more than 115 years Firbank Grammar has been at the forefront of teaching and learning, providing exceptional education and outstanding opportunities to its students. We offer world-class learning programs, activities, and facilities to give our students the very best launchpad into the future.
As a leading independent school in Melbourne, our students consistently achieve academically and in their co-curricular pursuits and are a part of a vibrant community that supports excellence.
Firbank Grammar School is committed to ensure all relevant Child Protection and Safety laws, Ministerial Orders, regulations and standards in Victoria are upheld.

Why join Firbank?

• Inclusive and supportive culture.
• Opportunity to work in a highly regarded independent school in Brighton.
• Access to professional development opportunities.
• Onsite cafe with barista-quality coffee and delicious meals and snacks.
• Use of swimming pool and gym facilities.
• Close proximity to public transport.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to you and your immediate family.
• Staff social groups and events.
• Staff discounts for local gym and incredible School productions.

To apply online, please click on the appropriate link below. For a confidential discussion, please contact our HR Department at [email protected].