Payroll Specialist

About the role

My client is seeking an experienced, hands-on Senior Payroll Officer to own true end-to-end payroll processing in a high-volume, highly complex aged care environment. This is not a "review and approve" position – you will be the key operator running the full payroll cycle from timesheet collection and validation through to finalisation, reporting and reconciliation.

Key responsibilities

• Process end-to-end payroll for a large, multi-site aged care workforce (permanent, casual, part-time).
• Interpret and apply the Aged Care Award and/or relevant EBAs, including complex penalty rates, allowances, leave loading, RDOs and make-up days.
• Manage high-volume timesheet collection, validation and exception handling across multiple sites.
• Perform manual calculations and adjustments where system limitations exist; reconcile payroll to general ledger and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare PAYG, superannuation and statutory reporting (including Single Touch Payroll).
• Liaise with finance, HR and site managers to resolve queries and ensure compliance; support audits and process improvement initiatives.

About you

• Minimum 5+ years' end-to-end payroll experience, ideally within aged care, health or another award/EBA-heavy, high-volume, multi-site environment.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying the Aged Care Award and/or similar modern awards and EBAs.
• Strong manual payroll calculation skills and confidence working outside fully automated systems.
• High proficiency with payroll software (Payglobal highly regarded but not essential if you're systems-adaptive).
• Advanced Excel skills (lookups, pivots, reconciliations).
• Meticulous attention to detail and a "zero tolerance for error" mindset; able to work independently, manage tight deadlines and stay calm under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll matters to non-payroll stakeholders.
• Formal payroll qualification (e.g. Certificate IV in Payroll Services) and/or APA membership would be well regarded.

About the client

A well-established, not-for-profit aged care provider operating across Western Australia. The organisation is recognised for high-quality, person-centred care and for supporting a large, multi-site workforce under complex award and EBA arrangements.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary + superannuation (commensurate with experience).
• 12-month contract, likely to go permanent, with a stable, mission-driven aged care provider.
• Opportunity to own a critical function and make a tangible impact.
• Supportive leadership team that understands the complexity of the role.
• Exposure to a large-scale, award-heavy payroll environment that will strengthen your expertise.