Payroll Team Leader

Overview

GHD is hiring an experienced Payroll Team Leader to head a team of Payroll Officers and ensure payroll services across Australia are delivered accurately, on time, and in line with compliance requirements. Reporting to the Australia Payroll Manager, this position works closely with Payroll Analysts and sits at the centre of daily payroll operations, legislative adherence, and ongoing improvement of processes, systems, and team performance.

This opportunity suits a people-oriented payroll leader who performs well in a busy, change-driven environment and is motivated by creating a positive payroll experience for employees.

Role impact

You will manage a dispersed team while balancing operational delivery, coaching, stakeholder coordination, and process enhancement. The role is also important in strengthening and developing Australian payroll operations as GHD continues investing in automation, controls, and improved ways of working.

Key responsibilities

• Guide, support, and develop Payroll Officers so payroll is delivered efficiently and with a high level of accuracy.
• Oversee the full payroll cycle, ensuring calculations and payments align with policy requirements, legislation, taxation, superannuation, and reporting obligations.
• Handle escalations for difficult payroll matters, employee questions, and issues involving HR, Finance, and other internal teams.
• Track workloads, set task priorities, and manage timelines so payroll runs and service-level commitments are consistently met.
• Advise the Australia Payroll Manager by flagging risks, control weaknesses, and improvement opportunities early.
• Work with the Australia Payroll Manager to roll out scalable solutions such as automation, system upgrades, and reconciliation tools.
• Coach, mentor, and empower team members to build capability and confidence.
• Keep payroll documentation, SOPs, and internal controls current and ready for audit, while supporting both internal and external audit needs.
• Partner with global payroll colleagues to exchange effective practices and contribute to broader payroll initiatives.
• Assist with change management linked to payroll transformation and process redesign.

What the employer is looking for

• At least 7 years of payroll experience, including 2 or more years in a supervisory or team leadership position.
• Strong knowledge of Australian payroll legislation, Awards, PAYG, superannuation, payroll tax, and STP compliance.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, including the capacity to coach, mentor, and motivate a team working across locations.
• Experience handling high-volume payroll processing and complex payroll enquiries.
• Excellent attention to detail, with solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on experience with SAP or ADP GlobalView payroll systems.
• Exposure to payroll improvement initiatives or transformation work is considered an advantage.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, plus the ability to influence and build relationships across HR, Finance, and business leadership.
• Working knowledge of internal controls, governance, and audit requirements.
• A resilient, adaptable approach with a genuine continuous-improvement mindset.

Why join GHD

You will join a global payroll function that values collaboration, integrity, and innovation. The position offers the chance to help shape payroll delivery in Australia by supporting stabilisation, transformation, and a strong team culture, while working with skilled colleagues around the world.

Work arrangement and location

This position can be based in any GHD office across Australia. GHD supports hybrid working, combining flexibility and wellbeing with the value of in-person collaboration.

Equal opportunity and application notes

GHD is an equal opportunity employer and encourages a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications are welcomed from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of all identities.

The company also asks that agency resumes not be submitted at this stage. The application deadline mentioned is Thursday 30th July.

No salary, vacancy count, start date, or contract duration was provided in the source.