Senior Payroll Officer

ACCIONA is a global company, leading in the development of regenerative infrastructure that creates a positive impact on society. Our workforce consists of more than 65,000 professionals, present in more than 40 countries across the five continents, all contributing in our mission to design a better planet. Are you a passionate individual who wants to make a difference, promote sustainable development, and find solutions to the biggest global challenges including climate change, overpopulation, and water scarcity? Come and join us in building the infrastructure our planet needs to achieve a sustainable future.

Job Description

• South Melbourne location

• Great Team

• Permanent position

The Opportunity

We currently have a rare opportunity for a Senior Payroll Officer to join our team in South Melbourne. This role will support the accurate and timely delivery of high-volume payroll services across both Australia and New Zealand.

We are seeking an experienced payroll professional who can confidently process end-to-end payroll, interpret relevant employment instruments, support compliance requirements, and provide practical payroll advice to employees, managers, HR, Finance and project teams in a fast-paced environment.

Ideally, you'll have experience using Chris21/iChris; however, if you have a strong payroll background and believe this role is the right next step in your career, we encourage you to apply. We value transferable skills, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude just as much as system experience.

Key responsibilities:

• Process accurate and timely end-to-end payroll across Australia and New Zealand for approximately 4,000 employees.

• Interpret and apply Awards, Enterprise Agreements, employment contracts, payroll legislation and company policies.

• Ensure compliance with Australian payroll obligations, including Fair Work requirements, PAYG withholding, Single Touch Payroll (STP), superannuation, leave entitlements, and termination payments.

• Ensure compliance with New Zealand payroll obligations, including Employment Relations and Holidays Act requirements, PAYE taxation, KiwiSaver, ACC levies, leave entitlements, and final pay calculations.

• Prepare payroll reconciliations, reporting, month-end and year-end activities, and support audit requirements.

• Partner with HR, Finance and business stakeholders to resolve payroll queries and maintain accurate employee data.

• Identify payroll risks and process improvement opportunities while providing expert payroll advice and support across the business.

Required Skills and Competencies

• 5+ years' end-to-end payroll experience in a high-volume environment.

• Proven experience processing Australian and New Zealand payroll.

• Strong understanding of payroll legislation, compliance and industrial instruments, including Awards and Enterprise Agreements.

• Experience using payroll systems such as Chris21/iChris, Workday, Kronos or similar, with strong Excel skills.

• Excellent attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Relevant payroll qualifications are highly regarded

ACCIONA has been given the Top Employer 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 certification in Australia, which certifies the company's commitment to excellence in human resources management and those who focus on putting their people first through their exceptional HR policies. Since establishing a presence in Australia in 2002, ACCIONA has made significant investments in local opportunities and project development. ACCIONA employs more than 3,000 people in its renewable energy, infrastructure and water projects across Australia & New Zealand.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and promote equality and diversity. Indigenous Australians and candidates from minority groups are encouraged to apply.