Payroll Officer

About Merri-bek City Council

Merri-bek City Council, located in Coburg, Victoria, serves a vibrant and diverse community of 195,125 residents across several suburbs including Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, and others. The organization commits to sustainability, social justice, and community wellbeing, operating from an accessible Civic Centre with excellent transport and community amenities. As a contemporary and inclusive workplace, Merri-bek offers flexible, hybrid work options and prioritizes staff work-life balance.

Role Overview

The Council seeks an experienced Payroll Officer to manage fortnightly payroll processing for approximately 1,200 employees. This role involves applying payroll expertise, ensuring compliance with enterprise agreements, and engaging in continuous process improvements within a supportive, equity-driven team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Process payroll for around 1,200 employees on a fortnightly schedule using iChris and Humanforce systems.
• Provide timely, accurate payroll services and resolve related employee queries efficiently.
• Prepare, distribute, and reconcile payroll payments and electronic fund transfers every fortnight.
• Calculate and manage employee leave payments, verifying adequate leave balances and timely payouts.
• Follow established protocols to ensure correct, consistent data entry and payroll procedures.
• Maintain positive and collaborative relationships within the team and with stakeholders.
• Administer masterfile updates such as rate changes, full-time equivalents, allowances, and deductions.
• Manage onboarding payroll processes for new employees and process terminations when necessary.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies promptly.
• Support ongoing improvements of payroll systems and processes to enhance team efficiency and accuracy.

Required Skills and Experience

• Tertiary qualification relevant to payroll or demonstrable experience managing high-volume payrolls (500+ employees).
• Proficiency with Chris21/iChris payroll software and experience with Time & Attendance systems, preferably Humanforce.
• Effective time management with capacity to meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong attention to detail and numeracy accuracy.
• Ability to interpret enterprise agreements and navigate fast-paced environments.
• Knowledge of Australian and Victorian employee taxation rules and superannuation guarantee legislation.
• High computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Excel and willingness to learn other corporate and financial systems.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Permanent full-time position with a 35-hour workweek, including fortnightly rostered days off.
• Salary range from AUD 86,000 to 97,000 plus superannuation.
• Opportunity to transfer or take long service leave within local government.
• Training and career development opportunities, salary sacrifice options, and wellness initiatives.
• Flexible working arrangements promoting work-life balance.
• Employer-supported study assistance schemes.
• Supportive parental leave policies including up to 20 weeks primary and 5 weeks secondary leave, purchase leave, ceremonial leave, gender affirmation leave, and family violence leave.

Diversity and Inclusion

Merri-bek City Council is an equal opportunity employer fostering diversity and inclusion across culture, gender identity, age, and disability. They are committed to child safety and continuous improvement in creating a welcoming workplace for all staff.

Additional Notes

Applications must be submitted online with CV, cover letter, and relevant documents. Due to high application volumes, the council may close the application process early. Position documents may refer to the former Moreland City Council name as updates continue.