Lead HR Service Adviser - Payroll

About the role

We’re seeking an experienced Lead HR Service Advisor – Payroll to deliver accurate, compliant, and high‑quality payroll services in a complex environment. You’ll act as a subject matter expert, support continuous improvement, and mentor team members while partnering closely with HR and operational teams. This is a 6 month maximum-term contract working, full time hours from Mater Newstead. 

Salary range: $93,103 - $102,572 (MCA4) per annum plus superannuation and access to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900  + access to many staff benefits! 

What you’ll be doing

• Manage end‑to‑end payroll processing, applying expert knowledge of EBAs, awards, and complex employment conditions.
• Ensure payroll data integrity through audits, exception reporting, and root cause analysis.
• Act as an escalation point for complex payroll issues.
• Partner with HR Services, HR Systems, and Rostering teams to optimise payroll workflows.
• Lead payroll audits, reconciliations, and Tier Two support, coaching junior staff.
• Contribute payroll expertise to system upgrades, projects, and change initiatives.

About you

You will have advanced end‑to‑end payroll knowledge, including terminations, retrospective adjustments, and complex taxation scenarios.

• Proven experience identifying and resolving systemic payroll issues.
• Strong working knowledge of Aurion, Kronos, and payroll reconciliation tools.
• Demonstrated coaching, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to influence cross‑functional processes and compliance outcomes.
• Experience leading or contributing to payroll projects or change initiatives.

Why join us?

Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider, delivering exceptional care to nearly 700,000 patients each year across 11 (soon to be 12) hospitals. We’re leaders in healthcare, education,  fundraising & philanthropy and research — and it’s our people who make the difference.

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help shape the future of care. At Mater, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation that values innovation, compassion, and excellence.

• Increase your take-home pay with generous salary packaging options, including meal and entertainment benefits
• Grow your career with access to industry-leading training and professional development through Mater Education
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program and on-site pastoral care teams
• Access a range of health and wellbeing services with a corporate discount on private health insurance
• Exclusive discounts across dining, retail, travel, accommodation (just to name a few!)
• Stay active with unlimited access to discounted gyms via the Fitness Passport program
• Convenient, discounted on-site parking
• Enjoy great food with reduced prices at our campus cafés and coffee spots
• Join Queensland’s Largest and Most Innovative Not-for-Profit Healthcare Team.

Be part of something bigger. Make your move with Mater. #GETBETTERWITHMATER

Applications close Sunday 24 May 2026 – please note, we may contact applicants prior to the closing date, please do not hesitate to APPLY NOW. Direct applications only — we are not engaging recruitment agencies at this time. All successful candidates may be required to complete pre‑employment checks (including criminal history, working rights, medical and working with children checks).

Mater offers a safe, supportive, flexible and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Visit our Reconciliation webpage.  

Mater ensures all children have an environment suitable for their safety and wellbeing through proper supervision and safeguarding practices.