Payroll Manager – Australia

At GHD, we don’t just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day.

That’s why we pledge to support and empower all of our people to make a positive impact when working hand in hand with our business to drive change. We'll help you accelerate your career and empower you with the right technology and training as you bring ideas and projects to life.

Together, with your colleagues, clients and partners, you'll make an impact that is felt by all. See where your commitment could take you.

Who are we looking for?

The Enterprise Payroll team at GHD is seeking a Payroll Manager for Australia to oversee a large and complex payroll operation supporting around 5,000 employees. 
You will lead the payroll function using ADP GlobalView, collaborating with the Enterprise Payroll Leader to drive transformation and automation, and improving compliance and controls. 
Pivotal to this will be to focus on continuous improvement, reducing manual processes through automation, and enhancing payroll integrity.

As part of an engaged, collaborative, supportive yet fast-paced finance team, you will be involved in (but not limited to):
 

Payroll Operations Leadership

• Lead the end-to-end payroll function for Australia ensuring accurate and timely processing of payrolls 

• Manage payroll compliance with all relevant legislation, awards, superannuation, taxation, and reporting requirements

• Ensure strong payroll governance, controls, and audit readiness

• Oversee payroll reconciliations, issue resolution, and risk mitigation activities

• Lead payroll year-end activities and compliance reporting

Process Improvement & Transformation

• Identify operational inefficiencies, manual work and drive process improvements

• Partner with global payroll leadership on payroll transformation initiatives

• Support automation and standardization initiatives 

• Develop and maintain clear SOPs and governance documentation

• Support payroll and systems stabilization and continuous improvement

Systems & Vendor Management

• Work closely with ADP GlobalView and HRIS team to improve payroll processes and integrations

• Partner with other cross-functional teams on process alignment

• Support issue resolution related to integrations, configurations, and payroll calculations

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop the Australia payroll team managing team priorities and workload planning

• Create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement

Stakeholder & Communication Management

• Provide proactive communication to leadership and stakeholders

• Partner effectively across cross-functional teams

• Support executive-level reporting and operational updates

Governance

• Ensure compliance with all GHD policies and procedures.

• Provide continuous feedback, including positive confirmations on matters relating to compliance with company policies and procedures.

• Ensure a co-operative and open knowledge sharing relationship is developed and maintained across Enterprise.

What you will bring to the team:
 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or similar field required; additional certifications in payroll administration are a plus.

• At least 10 years of leadership experience managing payroll functions in large, complex organizations.

• Deep expertise in payroll and HRIS systems (such as ADP Globalview, SAP, Oracle) and a strong understanding of Australian payroll legislation.

• Highly skilled in documenting payroll processes, policies, and audit-ready recordkeeping.

• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication abilities, especially with non-technical audiences and senior leaders.

Interested? Apply by Friday 5th June
Contact: Zoe Ferguson – Talent Acquisition Team Leader

GHD is an equal opportunity employer, and we want everyone to be able to fully participate in our recruitment process. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of all identities.

GHD embraces hybrid work arrangements to create a work environment focused on well-being, flexibility and productivity where GHD people can thrive, this supports the diverse needs of our workforce while balancing the benefits of remote working with the value of face-to-face collaboration in the office.

We respectfully ask that no agency resumes be presented at this stage.

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