Payroll Associate

Job Description Payroll Executive / Payroll Specialist (Australia Payroll)

Role Purpose

To ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for employees, maintain payroll records and compliance, respond to payroll-related queries, and support payroll accounting and reporting activities.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Administration

• Manage new employee onboarding and PAN updates in the payroll system.
• Process payroll accurately and ensure timely salary payments to employees.
• Administer payroll records, employment documentation, and monthly payroll reporting.
• Handle payroll-related queries through payroll inboxes and provide guidance in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Manage pay class setup and maintenance for time and attendance-related inquiries.
• Maintain employee payroll records and ensure data accuracy.

Payroll Accounting & Reconciliation

• Administer General Ledger (GL) account mapping for payroll costs and review related reports.
• Support Finance and General Ledger teams with payroll reconciliations.
• Investigate and respond to salary variances and month-end payroll reporting queries.
• Ensure accurate payroll cost allocation and reporting.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain payroll process documentation, standard operating procedures, and audit records.
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, taxation requirements, and company policies.
• Monitor payroll activities and recommend corrective actions where required.

Employee Support & Query Management

• Respond to employee, HR, and Finance payroll-related inquiries in a timely manner.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and ensure high levels of customer service.
• Manage payroll query resolution within agreed timelines.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Sound judgment and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage changing priorities and work under tight deadlines.
• Customer-focused approach with effective query management skills.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• 25 years of experience in a payroll environment.
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
• Experience handling payroll administration and reporting.
• Knowledge of payroll legislation, taxation, statutory deductions, and employment standards.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Preferred

• Experience processing Australian Payroll.
• Working knowledge of Preceda Payroll Software.
• Familiarity with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements and payroll compliance regulations.

Key Stakeholders

The role will interact regularly with:

• Human Resources Team
• Finance Team
• Employees
• Supervisors and Managers
• Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
• External Payroll Service Providers (if applicable)

Working Conditions

• General office environment.
• Hybrid work model (remote and onsite).
• Fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Periodic peak workload during payroll processing and month-end activities.

Experience Required:

2-5 Years

Preferred Domain:

Australia Payroll Operations