Payroll Officer

About the role

A well-established national transport and logistics business, recruiting through Mars Recruitment, is looking for a full-time Payroll Officer to join its finance team in Melbourne's northern suburbs. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, the officer supports the end-to-end payroll function so employees are paid accurately and on time, in line with legislation, awards, enterprise agreements and company policy. The role suits an experienced payroll professional comfortable in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Key responsibilities

• Process employee timesheets, rosters, overtime, allowances, penalty rates, leave and other payroll adjustments
• Interpret and apply awards, enterprise agreements and employment conditions accurately
• Reconcile payroll data, investigate discrepancies and resolve payroll issues
• Maintain employee payroll records, including new starters, terminations, salary changes and variations
• Respond to payroll queries from employees, managers and internal stakeholders
• Support month-end payroll, reporting, termination payments, leave entitlements and final pays
• Ensure compliance with PAYG withholding, superannuation, payroll tax and other statutory requirements
• Assist with payroll audits, data validation and continuous improvement
• Work with HR, Finance and operational teams and keep payroll information confidential

Required profile

• Previous experience in a Payroll Officer or similar payroll-focused role
• Experience processing end-to-end payroll in a medium to large organisation
• Exposure to high-volume payroll, preferably in transport, logistics, warehousing or a similar operational environment
• Understanding of Australian payroll legislation (PAYG, superannuation, payroll tax, Fair Work)
• Strong reconciliation skills and attention to detail
• Ability to meet strict payroll deadlines and manage competing priorities

Required skills

• Proficiency in payroll systems and Microsoft Excel
• Interpreting awards, enterprise agreements, overtime, allowances and penalty rates
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management

What we offer

• Salary of AU$80,000 to AU$90,000 per year plus super, bonus and benefits
• A supportive finance team and exposure to complex payroll operations
• A stable working environment in an essential Australian industry