HR Specialist and Payroll Officer in Port Macquarie

DeadlyScience is growing, and we’re building a services team to match. We’re seeking a committed, proactive HR Specialist and Payroll Officer to fill this newly created role. This position is Part-Time (0.8 FTE) with Full-Time considered for the right candidate, based at our Port Macquarie office.

About us

DeadlyScience Ltd is a leading provider of educational programs and resources, specialising in delivering culturally-responsive learning experiences to communities across Australia. Founded in 2018, our mission is to inspire and support the next generation of First Nations scientists, engineers, and technologists by improving access to culturally relevant STEM education. We're committed to equity, cultural integrity, and closing the gap in educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. DeadlyScience is a proud Aboriginal-led organisation, and we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

What we offer

• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements where possible to support work-life balance
• Generous leave entitlements and salary packaging
• Opportunities for career advancement within a dynamic, purpose-driven organisation

About the role

You will own the end-to-end delivery of HR and payroll at DeadlyScience, including:

• Accurate, compliant and on-time payroll
• Development, implementation and review of HR policies and procedures
• Well-run employee lifecycle administration, from recruitment and onboarding through to exit
• A safe, inclusive and culturally respectful workplace

Working closely with the CEO, the Directors and the Financial Controller, you will ensure DeadlyScience meets its legal obligations as an employer while supporting staff wellbeing and the organisation’s continued growth.

Working arrangements

This position is offered at four days per week (0.8 FTE), with full-time also considered. Pay run cut-offs and key payroll deadlines will be scheduled around your agreed working days. Our office is based in Port Macquarie, with a Hybrid arrangement considered.

Key responsibilities and duties

• Payroll management
• Process end-to-end payroll accurately and on time, including salaries, wages, superannuation, PAYG withholding, salary sacrifice, leave entitlements and terminations.
• Ensure payroll complies with the Fair Work Act, the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Industry Award and other applicable awards or agreements, the National Employment Standards (NES) and ATO requirements.
• Administer superannuation guarantee payments, Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting and end-of-financial-year processes.
• Reconcile payroll to the general ledger each month with the Financial Controller.
• Manage salary packaging and not-for-profit tax concessions in partnership with the salary packaging provider.
• Respond to staff payroll queries promptly, accurately and confidentially.
• Stay across legislative and award changes and update payroll processes accordingly.

HR policy and compliance

• Develop, review and maintain HR policies and procedures, including recruitment, onboarding, leave, code of conduct, work health and safety (WHS), psychosocial safety, cultural safety, grievance and performance management.
• Maintain a policy register with owners and review dates, and coordinate policy approval with the CEO and Board.
• Ensure policies reflect current employment law, best practice and DeadlyScience’s values as an Indigenous-led organisation.
• Communicate policy updates clearly so all staff can access and understand them.
• Support WHS obligations, including psychosocial risk management, and maintain the relevant registers and records.
• Developing reports and attending Subcommittee and Board meetings.

Employee lifecycle and HR administration

• Manage recruitment administration, including position descriptions, advertising, contracts and onboarding.
• Maintain accurate, confidential employee records, including contracts, leave balances, performance documentation, and Working with Children and Police checks.
• Coordinate induction so new staff are set up for success, including cultural orientation.
• Support probation reviews, performance reviews and professional development planning.
• Manage offboarding, including exit interviews, final pay and clearance.
• Advise managers and staff on employment matters, escalating complex issues to the CEO where appropriate.

People and culture

• Champion a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplace consistent with DeadlyScience’s mission and values.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR and payroll systems, processes and reporting as the organisation scales.
• Prepare HR and payroll reports for the CEO, Board and funders as required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive staff and organisational information.

Leadership

• Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO and Directors on people, payroll and employment matters.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Business, Accounting or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in an HR and/or payroll role, including end-to-end payroll processing
• Sound knowledge of Australian employment law, the Fair Work Act, the NES and relevant modern awards
• Experience developing and implementing HR policies and procedures
• High attention to detail and strong numeracy skills, particularly in payroll accuracy and compliance
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion
• Ability to work independently, prioritise competing demands and meet strict deadlines, such as pay run cut-offs
• Commitment to cultural safety and an understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and staff
• Proficient with payroll and HRIS software (preferably Employment Hero) and Xero.
• Confident with Excel, Google systems, MS 365 and Asana
• Current NSW Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain)
• National Police Check within last 12 months
• Ability to safely undertake manual handling within role requirements
• Willingness to complete AIATSIS Core Cultural training
• Right to work in Australia

Desirable Attributes

• Lived experience or strong understanding of First Nations cultures and protocols.
• Experience in the not-for-profit or charity sector, including with the SCHADS Award.
• Certified Payroll Professional accreditation (e.g. through the Australian Payroll Association).
• Experience supporting small or growing organisations with limited back-office infrastructure.