Senior Payroll Specialist

About KBR

KBR delivers science, technology, and engineering solutions globally, employing around 38,000 people and operating in over 29 countries. In Australia, with over 65 years of experience on major infrastructure and energy projects, KBR focuses on advancing national security and sustainable innovation with a workforce of 2,000.

Role Overview

The Senior Payroll Specialist will lead and manage the payroll function within a dynamic and complex environment, overseeing a committed team to ensure precision and compliance in end-to-end payroll processing. This 12-month fixed term role is based onsite in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, or Brisbane and provides an opportunity to contribute to payroll excellence through leadership, continuous improvement, and collaboration across departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide mentorship and leadership to the payroll team to foster high performance and superior customer service.
• Manage accurate and timely completion of payroll cycles, including handling complex scenarios such as terminations, redundancies, adjustments, and superannuation payments.
• Ensure adherence to governance standards, audit preparedness, legislative compliance, awards, and internal controls.
• Serve as subject matter expert for payroll systems including Workday, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics, facilitating system upgrades, integrations, and testing.
• Champion payroll process improvements through automation and standardization initiatives.
• Establish strong partnerships with People & Culture, Finance, Tax departments, and external vendors.
• Offer expert guidance on payroll matters and communicate legislative or system changes affecting the business.
• Lead projects related to payroll systems implementation and organization change management.
• Develop payroll reports and analytics to assist strategic decision-making.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive leadership experience in payroll or senior payroll specialist roles.
• Relevant professional qualifications in Payroll, HR, Finance, or Business disciplines.
• Proficient with payroll systems such as Workday, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Australian payroll legislation, taxation, superannuation, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, juggle priorities, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving capabilities with commercial acumen.
• Experience managing payroll projects including planning, execution, and change management.
• High integrity and commitment to confidentiality.

Benefits

• Recognition as a certified Great Place To Work culture.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Competitive salary with annual reviews.
• Paid parental leave.
• Income protection.
• Corporate rewards programs.
• Salary packaging and novated leasing options.
• Employee stock purchase schemes.
• Health benefits including flu vaccinations, skin checks, and discounted private health insurance.
• Career development opportunities through online learning, mentorship, and defined career paths.

Additional Information

This role requires an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) clearance due to association with the Australian Defence Force and adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Recruitment agencies are not engaged for this opening; unsolicited agency resumes will not be accepted.