Payroll Officer

Overview:

The Payroll Officer supports the Finance team by assisting with the accurate and timely processing of payroll across the organisation. This role helps maintain employee payroll records, processes routine payroll tasks, responds to basic payroll enquiries, and supports payroll and compliance activities under the guidance of the Tax, Compliance & Payroll Manager or Payroll Specialist.   The position requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and a willingness to learn. The Payroll Officer is expected to follow established payroll procedures, escalate more complex matters when required, and contribute to a reliable and professional payroll service for Parratech.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing and Compliance

• Assist with processing weekly, fortnightly, and monthly payroll cycles.
• Enter, check, and maintain payroll data in accordance with approved payroll procedures.
• Apply standard payroll rules, employment conditions, and approved payroll instructions when processing employee payments.
• Assist with PAYG, superannuation, STP reporting, and payroll tax tasks by preparing data and supporting reconciliations.
• Escalate complex payroll, award, termination, or long service leave matters to the Tax, Compliance & Payroll Manager or senior payroll contact.

Financial Reporting and Reconciliation

• Assist with preparing payroll journals and payroll reports for review.
• Support weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reconciliations, including superannuation, leave, and other employee entitlements.
• Assist with gathering information for payroll tax returns, WorkCover declarations, and other statutory reporting requirements.

Employee Records and Support

• Maintain accurate payroll records, including employee details, earnings, deductions, leave balances, and termination information.
• Respond to routine enquiries in a professional and timely manner.
• Refer complex or sensitive payroll enquiries to the appropriate senior team member.

Systems, Projects, and Process Improvement

• Use payroll systems and software to enter, update, and check payroll information.
• Follow documented payroll processes and checklists.
• Support payroll, finance, and HR projects by preparing information, testing processes, or assisting with administrative tasks as required.

Risk Management, Governance, and Confidentiality

• Assist with payroll audit requests by preparing supporting documentation and reports.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee payroll information in line with privacy requirements and organisational policy.
• Follow payroll controls and escalate errors, risks, or unusual matters promptly.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Payroll data is entered accurately and within required deadlines.
• Routine payroll tasks and reporting support are completed on time.
• Payroll enquiries are handled professionally or escalated where appropriate.
• Payroll records are maintained accurately and confidentially.
• Payroll procedures, internal controls, and review processes are followed consistently.
• Audit and review queries are supported with timely and complete information.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Certificate, diploma, or relevant experience in payroll, finance, or a related field.
• Experience using payroll, accounting, or HR systems is desirable.
• Competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Basic understanding of Australian payroll requirements, with a willingness to develop knowledge of awards, superannuation, PAYG, and payroll reporting.
• Strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and time management skills.