Payroll Operations Team Leader

About the role

The Payroll Operations Team Leader will manage the day‑to‑day payroll function for our Sydney office, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant processing. This hands‑on role combines operational oversight with mentorship of Payroll Officers and close collaboration with the Payroll Compliance Team.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end payroll processing, including onboarding, employee changes, allowances, terminations and adjustments.
• Perform data validation, pre‑ and post‑payroll checks and reconcile payroll results.
• Oversee fortnightly timesheet administration and resolve escalated issues.
• Handle employee payroll enquiries within agreed SLA timeframes.
• Ensure compliance with the Fast Food Industry Award, Restaurant Industry Award and other legislative updates.
• Manage superannuation, PAYG, payroll tax and third‑party payments.
• Assist with end‑of‑year activities such as STP reporting and payment summaries.
• Provide coaching, training and performance feedback to Payroll Officers.
• Allocate tasks, act as first escalation point for complex queries and support best‑practice initiatives.
• Maintain and configure payroll and HR systems (Payroll Metrics, Humanforce, IntelliHR) and contribute to system testing and upgrades.
• Prepare accurate payroll reports for monthly, quarterly and annual cycles.

Required profile

• 6‑8 years of payroll operations experience, preferably in complex environments.
• Hands‑on experience with medium‑tier payroll/HR systems such as Payroll Metrics, Humanforce or IntelliHR.
• Proven ability to deliver high‑quality customer and stakeholder service.
• Experience mentoring junior payroll staff.
• Formal qualification in Payroll Management, Accounting or HR (or undertaking).

Required skills

• Payroll Metrics
• Humanforce
• IntelliHR
• Advanced Excel for data analysis and reconciliation