Payroll Officer

Role overview

Hall & Wilcox is seeking an experienced Payroll Officer for a 12-month fixed-term full-time appointment within its national Finance function. The position supports the Payroll Manager in delivering a payroll service that is accurate, compliant, and efficient for employees and partners.

This is a national role and may be based in any of the firm’s Australian offices: Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Newcastle, Canberra, Adelaide, or Darwin. The workplace model includes hybrid and flexible arrangements, with the option to work from home and from modern open-plan offices.

What the role involves

• Running the full fortnightly payroll cycle for about 1,100 employees while meeting deadlines and legal requirements.
• Handling payroll updates such as new hires, changes in pay, casual hours, overtime, back pay, deductions, bonuses, and termination pay.
• Administering employee leave balances and payments, including annual leave, sick leave, long service leave, and other leave types.
• Managing employer-funded parental leave payments and government parental leave payments.
• Overseeing leave entries processed through ESS (Employee Services Service).
• Processing superannuation each fortnight in line with Payday Super requirements.
• Supporting monthly reconciliation and reporting activities.
• Assisting with monthly and quarterly partner profit share distribution.
• Coordinating myki commuter club orders, related payroll deductions, and supporting records.
• Completing end-of-financial-year payroll tasks, including remuneration review changes across the firm and final STP reconciliation.
• Responding to payroll questions and providing support to other internal teams.
• Preparing ad hoc reports and completing other tasks assigned by the Payroll Manager.

What we are looking for

• At least 3 to 5 years of experience working as a Payroll Officer.
• Experience handling payroll for a workforce of similar scale, ideally more than 800 employees.
• Proven end-to-end payroll experience.
• Exposure to MicrOpay or Definitiv payroll software is preferred, though not mandatory.
• Strong understanding of statutory tax, superannuation, the Legal Services Award, and Single Touch Payroll obligations.
• Confident use of Excel in day-to-day work.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Clear communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with others.
• Capacity to build professional relationships across all levels of the business.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive payroll information.

Benefits and workplace culture

• 12-month fixed-term full-time contract.
• Hybrid and flexible work arrangements.
• Work-from-home option plus access to modern office spaces.
• Learning and career development programs available across all levels.
• Free daily breakfast.
• Office social events.
• A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, wellbeing, pro bono work, and community involvement.

About the employer

Hall & Wilcox is an Australian law firm that provides legal services to corporate, public sector, and private clients in Australia and overseas businesses operating in Australia. The firm emphasises a people-focused culture, collaboration, and long-term value creation through its “Smarter Law” approach.

The organisation welcomes candidates from all cultural backgrounds, including First Nations people, as well as applicants of all abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Application support

Candidates who need adjustments or support during the recruitment process can contact Sally Cai, Talent Acquisition Advisor, for a confidential discussion.

This role is managed directly by the employer’s Talent Acquisition team.