Payroll Manager - ANZ

Job Title: Payroll Manager - ANZ
Business Unit: Mars Global Services (MGS) Finance
Location: Wodonga or Melbourne, Australia

Are you ready to lead a critical function for one of the world's most beloved companies?

Mars is a global leader, driven by our principles and a commitment to the world we want tomorrow. As part of Mars Global Services (MGS) Finance, you'll be at the heart of our operations, ensuring our business runs efficiently and effectively.

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Payroll Manager to lead our payroll function for Australia and New Zealand. In this role, you will do more than just manage payroll; you will set the strategic direction, drive operational excellence, and lead a talented team responsible for supporting over 2,000 Mars Associates. As a key member of the MGS Finance ANZ Leadership team, your impact will be felt across all our iconic business units.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Lead, Coach & Develop: Provide exceptional leadership to a team of 5 payroll associates. You will foster a collaborative and high-performing environment, managing workloads and championing individual development and career growth.

• Drive Payroll Excellence: Oversee all operational activities for the ANZ payroll, ensuring timely and accurate processing for our diverse business units. You will manage our relationship with our payroll partner, KPMG, to guarantee operational excellence and best-in-class service.

• Champion Compliance & Control: Act as our subject matter expert for all Australian and New Zealand payroll regulations. You will ensure unwavering compliance with tax laws, employment standards, and internal Mars policies, maintaining a robust control environment and managing all audit responses.

• Shape Strategic Direction: Set the vision and strategy for the MGSF payroll organization. You will lead cross-functional projects, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and identify opportunities to optimize our processes, systems, and organizational design.

• Oversee Payroll Accounting: Manage all payroll-related accounting operations, including salary and wage transactions, leave provisions, and benefit plan accounting, ensuring precision and timeliness.

What are we looking for?

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A CA, CPA, or MBA qualification (or progress towards one) is highly desirable.

• 5+ years of professional experience in a relevant field such as payroll, financial accounting, tax, or financial analysis.

• Proven experience successfully managing and developing a team.

• A strong background in process management with a mindset for continuous improvement.

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to partner effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

What can you expect from Mars?

• The opportunity to work for a global, family-owned business that is committed to making a positive impact on people and the planet.

• A key leadership role where you can make a tangible impact and shape the future of our payroll services.

• A supportive and collaborative work environment where you are empowered to learn, grow, and develop your career.

• Competitive compensation and benefits that reflect your skills and experience.