Payroll Lead

About Hitachi Rail

Hitachi Rail operates globally, driving technological innovation and digital transformation in the rail industry. Embracing cultural diversity and sustainability, it fosters an inclusive workplace where employees can actively contribute and thrive.

Role Overview

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Payroll Lead to manage and oversee Australian payroll functions for over 700 employees. The role is based in Perth, with possible consideration for candidates in Brisbane or Sydney willing to work West Coast hours. The successful candidate will be responsible for payroll delivery, validation, issue resolution, reporting, budgeting, governance, audit support, and third-party provider management.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end Australian payroll processing including weekly, monthly, adjustment, and international assignee cycles.
• Perform thorough reviews of payroll outputs, conduct reconciliations, analyze variances, and validate data prior to approval.
• Administer payroll activities such as handling terminations, redundancies, retroactive payments, salary sacrifice arrangements, novated leases, and allowances.
• Ensure accuracy and maintenance of employee payroll records and payroll master data.
• Address and coordinate payroll inquiries from employees, managers, HR, and Finance teams.
• Ensure compliance with Australian payroll legislation, taxation, superannuation, and employment requirements.
• Support adherence to Enterprise Agreements, Modern Awards, and company policies.
• Manage payroll controls linked to remuneration reviews, incentives, and compensation programs.
• Support internal and external audit processes by maintaining accurate payroll documentation and reporting.
• Identify and manage operational and compliance risks related to payroll.
• Serve as the main operational liaison with the outsourced payroll provider, managing payroll calendars, data submission, issue resolution, and performance monitoring.
• Support payroll transition, stabilization, and process improvements.
• Maintain payroll data integrity across systems including HiNext and SAP, assist with integrations, testing, and system enhancements.
• Prepare payroll reports, labor cost analysis, budgeting input, and forecasting data.
• Support annual reporting and compliance requirements including audit documentation.

Required Experience and Skills

• Extensive experience managing complex Australian payroll operations, including collaboration with outsourced payroll providers.
• Strong expertise in payroll reconciliation, reporting, and audit support.
• Ability to effectively manage payroll-related inquiries and build relationships across multiple departments.
• Deep knowledge of PAYG withholding, payroll tax, Superannuation Guarantee, termination payments, portable long service leave, record keeping, and statutory reporting.
• Understanding of Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements, allowances, overtime, and roster systems.
• Advanced experience with payroll systems, preferably SAP and HiNext or similar enterprise HR/payroll platforms.
• Proven problem-solving skills in identifying and resolving payroll integration issues involving HR, payroll, and finance systems.

Qualifications

• Degree or qualification in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Payroll accreditation and membership of a recognized payroll professional body is advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong analytical thinking and sound decision-making capabilities.
• Well-organized with excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Customer-centric approach to service delivery.
• Commitment to confidentiality, compliance, and maintaining data integrity.

Company Values and Diversity

Hitachi Rail values diversity and inclusiveness across all backgrounds and perspectives. The company is dedicated to creating a supportive work environment consistent with its core principles of harmony, sincerity, and pioneering spirit.

Employee Benefits and Perks

• Salary continuance benefits.
• Annual cycles for performance review, development plans, and salary adjustments.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families.
• Flu vaccination campaigns.
• Participation in company social functions and events.
• Health and wellbeing programs throughout the year.
• Extra paid days off beyond statutory public holidays and leave entitlements.
• Continuous professional development and relevant training opportunities.

Contact and Equal Opportunity

We appreciate all applicants’ interest and will contact only those chosen for further consideration. Hitachi Rail is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.