Senior Payroll Officer - ANZ

Overview

The Senior Payroll Officer role is responsible for the precise and timely payroll processing for Australia and New Zealand employees in accordance with legal requirements, industrial agreements, company policies, and contractual obligations. The role also involves providing insightful payroll reports and analysis to management, alongside delivering excellent customer support for payroll-related inquiries.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of assigned payrolls, adhering strictly to the Payroll Processing Schedule and Task List.
• Serve as the internal expert and super user for Kronos, supporting payroll and HR teams by resolving ad-hoc queries and issues.
• Function as the in-house SME and super user for the Affinity payroll system; contribute actively to creating and testing new pay elements, enhance team capabilities, and optimize payroll processes.
• Maintain employee master records and leave balances within Affinity, ensuring compliance with legislation and HR instructions.
• Manage payments and resolve queries related to both inpatriate and expatriate staff.
• Respond to employee payroll queries within 24 hours, ensuring timely and accurate follow-up.
• Comply with internal policies, procedures, and business controls to guarantee accurate processing, proper authorizations, and electronic record-keeping before payment release.
• Uphold data integrity and compliance with relevant industrial instruments such as EBAs, CWAs, and Modern Awards.
• Provide punctual and detailed reports to HR and Finance departments regarding workers compensation, expat/inpat payments, leave provisions, and labor costs.
• Commit to promoting and improving workplace health, safety, and welfare.
• Support the National Payroll Manager and payroll team members in achieving operational and strategic objectives.
• Maintain compliance with internal policies, legislative requirements, and reporting standards.
• Participate in bi-annual and corporate audits by preparing and providing necessary documentation.

Qualifications and Skills

• At least five years’ experience managing payroll within a large, complex multinational environment, preferably in FMCG or manufacturing sectors.
• Hands-on experience with Affinity payroll system and Kronos time and attendance system preferred.
• Proven capability in delivering comprehensive end-to-end payroll processes.
• Familiarity with interpreting multiple Enterprise Bargaining Agreements.
• Exceptional attention to detail both independently and in audit roles.
• Excellent time management skills, capable of meeting dynamic deadlines.
• Strong understanding of superannuation, taxation, and payroll legislative requirements.
• Advanced analytical thinking and proficient Excel skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Proactive approach to identifying, analyzing, and resolving payroll issues.
• Outstanding customer service skills with excellent verbal and written communication, able to engage effectively at all organizational levels.