Payroll Manager

St Hilda’s School, Gold Coast invites applications for the position of Payroll Manager commencing 04 January 2027, or earlier by negotiation. As Payroll Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading and continuously improving the payroll function across St Hilda’s School and the associated Early Learning Centre. This role ensures the accurate and compliant delivery of end-to-end payroll services, while also driving strategic improvements in payroll systems, processes and reporting.

Reporting to the Director of Business, the Payroll Manager will demonstrate a deep understanding of payroll legislation, advanced analytical capabilities and a proactive approach to change management.

About You

You are a confident professional who demonstrates exceptional integrity, maintains strict confidentiality and exercises diplomacy and impartiality in all professional interactions. You have a genuine commitment to accuracy and compliance, with a deep understanding of the critical role payroll plays in employee satisfaction and organisational trust. You have demonstrated experience in managing complex payroll operations, preferably within the education or not-for-profit sector, and a proficiency in electronic payroll systems.

About the Position

As Payroll Manager, you will oversee all aspects of payroll operations for a diverse workforce spanning teaching, non-teaching, boarding, coaches, and early learning centre staff. This role combines hands-on payroll processing with manager responsibilities, requiring you to ensure accuracy and compliance while driving process improvements and system efficiencies. You'll manage end-to-end payroll using the TASS platform, maintain rigorous compliance with Fair Work, ATO and superannuation legislation and lead process improvements. Working closely with the Director of Business, Finance Manager and Principal, you will prepare and maintain salary and FTE budgets and forecasts, provide detailed analysis and variance reporting and act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related queries.

This position requires a detail-oriented professional who can balance operational excellence with strategic thinking, provide confidential advice to staff and leadership and stay ahead of legislative changes to ensure the School maintains compliance and best-practice payroll standards. You will also play a key mentoring role, training and developing the Payroll Officer to deliver accurate and timely payroll outcomes.

Selection Criteria:

• Technical Expertise and Systems: Demonstrated high level experience in managing complex payroll functions, preferably within the education or not-for-profit sector, with proficiency in electronic payroll systems.
• Compliance and Data Management: Proven ability to conduct payroll audits, conduct detailed analysis and variance reporting, and manage sensitive data with discretion and integrity, exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
• Leadership and Process Improvement: Demonstrated capacity to lead process improvement and change initiatives, especially in regard to complex payroll systems and functions.
• Communication and Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to provide clear, accurate and confidential advice on complex payroll matters to leadership and staff. Strong customer service orientation with a professional, and solution-focused approach to all aspects of the role.
• Educational Qualifications and Experience: At least one of the following certifications: Australian Payroll Association (APA) Certification, Certificate IV in Payroll Administration or Diploma of Payroll Services (TPB-approved). Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline are preferred but not essential.

Why Join St Hilda’s School?

Be part of a passionate values-driven community which embraces collaboration and innovation and supports staff wellbeing and professional growth. We are a community which promotes belonging and connectedness. We offer staff onsite parking, access to Fitness Passport, a comprehensive employee assistance program and professional development opportunities. Enjoy the convenience of an onsite co-located Early Learning Centre at very reasonable rates, providing peace of mind and proximity for staff with young families. As a prospective member of the St Hilda’s Community, you must be willing to support the Code of Conduct and the stated values and Anglican Ethos of the School.