Payroll Officer

Role overview

Hall & Wilcox is seeking an experienced Payroll Officer to join its national Finance function on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The position is part of a small payroll team made up of a Payroll Manager and two Payroll Officers, and it supports payroll delivery for both employees and partners.

This is a nationwide role that can be performed from any of the firm’s Australian offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Newcastle, Canberra, Adelaide or Darwin. The role follows the HW Evolve model, which offers hybrid and flexible working, including work from home and modern open-plan offices.

What the role involves

• Managing end-to-end fortnightly payroll for around 1,100 employees while keeping processing accurate, timely and compliant with relevant laws and regulations.
• Handling payroll inputs and adjustments such as new starters, changes to pay, casual hours, overtime, back pay, deductions, bonuses and final payments.
• Administering employee leave entitlements, including annual leave, sick leave, long-service leave and other leave types.
• Coordinating employer-funded parental leave payments and maintaining government parental leave payments.
• Managing leave entries processed through ESS (Employee Services Service).
• Processing superannuation contributions every fortnight in line with Payday Super legislation.
• Supporting monthly reconciliations and reporting with the Payroll Manager.
• Assisting with monthly and quarterly profit share distribution for partners.
• Organising myki commuter club orders, related payroll deductions and supporting documentation.
• Completing year-end payroll tasks, including remuneration review updates and STP final reconciliation.
• Responding to payroll questions and supporting other internal teams with payroll-related issues.
• Preparing ad hoc reports and carrying out additional duties as directed by the Payroll Manager.

What you should bring

• At least 3 to 5 years of experience working in payroll.
• Experience running payroll for a similar headcount, ideally more than 800 employees.
• Strong end-to-end payroll capability.
• Exposure to MicrOpay or Definitiv payroll systems is preferred, though not essential.
• Good understanding of statutory tax, superannuation, the Legal Services Award and Single Touch Payroll obligations.
• Strong Excel skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Confidence in building relationships across all levels of the business.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive payroll information.

About the employer

Hall & Wilcox is an Australian law firm that provides legal services to corporate, government and private sector clients in Australia and overseas. The organisation aims to help clients, employees and communities thrive and is known for its people-focused culture and “Smarter Law” approach.

The firm promotes diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, and welcomes candidates from all cultural backgrounds, including First Nations peoples, as well as applicants of all abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities.

Benefits and workplace culture

• 12-month fixed-term full-time role.
• Hybrid and flexible working under the HW Evolve approach.
• Work from home option and access to modern open-plan offices.
• Learning and career development programs across all levels.
• Free daily breakfast.
• Office social events.
• Strong focus on diversity, inclusion, wellbeing, pro bono work and community impact.

Additional information

Applications are handled directly by Hall & Wilcox’s Talent Acquisition team. Candidates who need adjustments or support during recruitment can contact Sally Cai, Talent Acquisition Advisor, for a confidential discussion.

This opportunity is not being managed through an external agency. Preferred agency partners will be contacted directly if assistance is needed.

#Flex