Payroll Lead

About the Project

A consortium including John Holland, Bouygues Construction, Arcadis Australia, Jacobs, and Ventia has been chosen to deliver South Australia's largest-ever road infrastructure scheme through the Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Alliance. This project will complete the last 10.5km segment of the North-South Corridor, creating a seamless 78km motorway free of traffic lights, shaping a lasting benefit for the Adelaide community. The development includes constructing two tunnels (Southern and Northern) linked by an open motorway over a total span of 10.5km, with plans for opening in 2031. The T2D project involves tunnel construction, surface roads, bridges, service buildings, and complex mechanical and electrical systems. The alliance is dedicated to providing opportunities for locals, Aboriginal workers, apprentices, trainees, and long-term unemployed individuals.

Role Overview

Under the Finance Manager's supervision, the Payroll Lead will manage all payroll operations for about 200 staff involved in the T2D project. This role requires handling weekly payroll in alignment with an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA), overseeing complex shift structures such as Monday to Saturday workweeks and rotating 7/3 and 7/4 rosters with 12-hour shifts. The position demands precise application of EBA terms including overtime, shift penalties, and allowances, while ensuring compliance with all legislation and statutory rules. The Payroll Lead will also deliver expert payroll guidance, manage reconciliations and reporting, resolve challenging payroll issues, and contribute to continuous improvements within a major infrastructure context.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer end-to-end weekly payroll processing using Dayforce, guaranteeing accuracy and punctuality.
• Handle complex payroll tasks including employee terminations, redundancies, back payments, and corrections.
• Calculate redundancy estimates and final entitlements for employees.
• Maintain an overpayment register, organize recovery processes, and keep accurate records.
• Perform monthly payroll reconciliations covering superannuation, deductions, payroll balancing, and ledger reporting.
• Manage salary packaging transactions via Smart Salary and reconcile records accordingly.
• Prepare superannuation submissions ensuring compliance with default fund requirements.
• Ensure payroll practices align with EBAs, taxation laws, superannuation schemes, Fair Work rules, and other legislation.
• Keep employee payroll details current, including updates to employment data, timesheets, and attendance through workforce systems like Kronos.
• Assist internal and external auditors by preparing payroll documentation and addressing compliance issues.
• Engage in User Acceptance Testing (UAT), payroll system updates, and initiatives for ongoing improvement.
• Provide technical guidance and backup support to Payroll Advisors, promoting a cohesive and efficient payroll team.

Candidate Profile

• At least five years managing comprehensive payroll functions preferably in construction, infrastructure, engineering, or analogous complex organizations.
• Strong familiarity with Australian payroll laws such as Fair Work, superannuation regulations, PAYG, leave policies, termination entitlements, and statutory compliance.
• Proven expertise in interpreting and applying EBAs, Awards, and employment legislation to ensure precise payroll processing.
• Demonstrated ability to handle large, multifaceted payrolls with high accuracy, keen attention to detail, and adherence to deadlines.
• Experience in conducting payroll reconciliations, monthly closures, reporting, and supporting audit processes.
• Skill in investigating and resolving complex payroll issues, offering expert advice, and serving as an escalation resource.
• Proficient with payroll and workforce management software, especially Dayforce; experience with SAP, Chris21/iChris, ADP, Workday, Preceda, Kronos, or similar tools is beneficial.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, discrepancy identification, and report generation.
• Commitment to enhancing payroll processes, controls, and system efficiencies through continuous improvement.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities to collaborate effectively across Finance, HR, operations, and employees.

Why Join Us

We strive to be a preferred employer in Adelaide by fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where various perspectives are valued. Your career development is supported by providing enriching experiences and opportunities for continuous advancement, making your growth a priority within our organization.