Payroll Team Lead

• Balance work from home with collaborative team connection days
• 12 month contract
• 9-day fortnight with no salary reduction

Grant Thornton Australia is one of the world's leading independently-owned and managed accounting, advisory and consulting firms.

Our culture is underpinned by a commitment to our clients, people and communities, and our promise to 'Reach for Remarkable' by providing proven expertise, principled execution, and personalised experience.

In Australia, we're proud to support the careers of over 1,500 remarkable people. With six offices nationally and partner firms in more than 145 markets, wherever you want to go, we can take you there.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Payroll Team Lead to lead the end-to-end payroll function within a professional services environment on a 12-month contract. This role has both operational and people leadership responsibilities and is accountable for ensuring accurate, timely and compliant payroll delivery, while also managing, supporting and developing at least one direct report.

The Payroll Team Lead will act as a key escalation point for complex payroll matters, work closely with Finance and People & Culture stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement across payroll processes and systems.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations & Governance

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for all employees.
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex payroll issues, adjustments and reconciliations.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with relevant payroll legislation, including PAYG withholding, superannuation, payroll tax, and Fair Work requirements.
• Maintain strong payroll controls, audit trails and documentation to support internal and external audit requirements.

People Management

• Manage, coach and develop one or more payroll team members, providing clear direction, workload prioritisation and performance feedback.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing payroll team culture, focused on accuracy, service and continuous improvement.
• Support training and knowledge uplift within the team, including system enhancements and legislative changes.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner closely with People & Culture, Finance and other internal stakeholders to resolve payroll-related queries and issues.
• Liaise with external parties such as auditors, superannuation funds and payroll vendors as required.
• Provide clear and professional payroll guidance to stakeholders across the firm.

Systems & Reporting

• Own and maintain payroll systems, ensuring data integrity, appropriate access controls and accurate reporting.
• Work with Senior Applications Specialists in payroll system updates, testing and enhancements. Experience with Workday Payroll is highly regarded.
• Prepare and review payroll reporting, reconciliations and statutory submissions.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll efficiency, accuracy and scalability.
• Lead process improvements, documentation updates and standardisation of payroll procedures.
• Support payroll-related projects, including system implementations and regulatory changes.

Key Attributes & Skills

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage complex and payroll environments.
• Demonstrated people leadership capability, including coaching and performance management.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet critical payroll deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including reconciliations and data analysis.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 7+ years' experience in payroll, including experience in a senior or managerial role.
• Proven experience managing payroll staff and overseeing end-to-end payroll operations.
• Experience within a professional services or complex corporate environment preferred.
• Experience with Workday Payroll (or similar payroll systems) highly desirable.

Reach your remarkable

At Grant Thornton we do things differently because we understand that when you strive for better and care about what you do remarkable things are possible. We're a dynamic and authentic mix of backgrounds, perspectives and ways of thinking. We're driven by our shared purpose - we care for our people, clients and communities and support them to thrive.

With us, you'll be exposed to challenging and rewarding opportunities - building your confidence and capabilities at every step. You'll be supported, motivated and inspired by a team of passionate and caring collaborators and leaders. You'll be empowered to build a career path that's tailored to you and encouraged to make a meaningful difference. And we'll make sure the excellence you deliver and the impact you make is always seen, felt and celebrated.

Remarkable perks that put you first:

• 9-day fortnight with no salary reduction
• Salary packaging | Salary continuance insurance
• Funded professional membership
• Promotion opportunity | structured learning and development at all career levels
• And many more!

Need some help applying or participating in the recruitment process?

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible for anyone who wishes to apply, and we warmly encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders, those in the LGBTQI+ community and individuals who identify as having disability or are neurodivergent. Click here for recruitment support information and to learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Grant Thornton.

Should you have questions or require any adaptations or additional support for your individual circumstances so you may perform at your best during the application or recruitment process please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected]

As we provide fair consideration and evaluation to a high volume of applications, we endeavour to provide feedback on your application at the earliest opportunity.

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