Payroll Specialist (SAW6)

About the Company 

At SA Water, our work sustains life. Every day, we deliver safe, reliable water and wastewater services to more than 1.8 million South Australians, supporting healthy communities across our state.

Behind this essential service are people who care. From engineering and science to construction, digital, operations and customer experience, every role plays a part. We bring our authentic selves to work, driven by purpose, supporting one another to deliver work that truly matters.

About the job  

As a Payroll Specialist, you will take ownership of the end‑to‑end fortnightly payroll cycle, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a positive employee experience. You will act as a subject matter expert in our payroll system, Chris21, and play a key role in enhancing processes, supporting system upgrades, and driving continuous improvement across payroll operations. Working closely with HR, Finance, IT, and audit teams, you will ensure payroll practices align with legislation, Enterprise Agreements, internal governance, and best practice. You will also provide operational leadership to payroll officers and contribute to a collaborative, customer‑focused team culture.

Ongoing, full-time opportunity available immediately. 

About the Person

The ideal candidate is an experienced payroll professional with deep technical knowledge of Chris21 or similar payroll systems, complemented by a strong understanding of awards, Enterprise Agreements, and payroll governance. You thrive in fast‑paced environments where accuracy and attention to detail are essential, and you take pride in delivering reliable, compliant, and customer‑focused payroll services. Your knowledge of FBT, workers compensation, superannuation, and payroll tax legislation enables you to navigate complex payroll matters with confidence. You enjoy solving problems, improving processes, and supporting others, demonstrating strong communication skills and a collaborative approach. With a continuous improvement mindset and a commitment to exceptional service, you build strong relationships across HR, Finance, IT, and the wider business, contributing positively to a high‑performing payroll function.

About People and Safety

The People and Safety business group supports the capability, wellbeing, and safety of our workforce. The team brings together human resources, talent attraction, organisational development, and safety and wellbeing to ensure our people can do their best work, safely and sustainably

Working in People and Safety means shaping culture, attracting and developing talent, supporting leaders and teams, and strengthening safe, inclusive workplaces across South Australia. Your work will help ensure we have the right people, skills, and environments to deliver essential water and wastewater services now and into the future.

In addition, your responsibilities will include: 

Fostering trust with our people, customers and community by providing expert advice and service that ensure we effectively communicate and engage audiences with our business strategy and its delivery across South Australia, every day. 

You will: 

• Lead the end‑to‑end payroll cycle, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with EA and legislative requirements.
• Drive payroll process and system improvements, including testing and implementing payroll system upgrades.
• Provide technical guidance and support to payroll officers, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Oversee payroll reporting including EOM, EOFY, FBT, STP, and ATO/ABS submissions.
• Manage complex payroll matters such as deductions reconciliation, public sector leave transfers, and termination payments.
• Support continuous improvement and capability development across the payroll function.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• In depth knowledge and demonstrated experience working with Chris21 or another payroll system within a large complex organisation.
• Experience in using Microsoft Office package.
• Understanding and ability to interpret awards, Enterprise Agreements, HR, and Payroll governance including the ability to communication this to employees.
• Knowledge of FBT, workers compensation, superannuation, and payroll tax legislation.
• High level organisational interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service and continuous improvement.

Further information can be found in the attached PD - Payroll Specialist.

To apply, click 'Apply'. Please submit and complete the application form, upload a cover letter and current resume. For enquiries, please contact Despina Livadiotis from the Talent Acquisition team ***************@sawater.com.au.

Applications close 11:55pm, 30 August 2026.

A great customer experience is best achieved by having a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the community we serve. Applications are encouraged from everyone, including people living with disability, job seekers of all ages, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. 

Our Industry is like no other. Dive into the wonderful world of water and explore the boundless opportunities. Learn more about the water industry at careersinwater.com.au.

Please note: We request that recruitment agencies do not submit candidates for this position, as they will not be accepted.