Manager, Payroll Operations

• Full-time, Ongoing position at HEW Level 9.
• Hawkesbury campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $137,681 – $147,032 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Provide strategic leadership to deliver compliant, accurate and trusted payroll services across a complex enterprise.

The Opportunity
You will lead the University’s payroll operations with a strong focus on governance, compliance, and service excellence. This role is accountable for ensuring payroll is delivered accurately, on time, and in line with legislative, regulatory, and industrial requirements. You will work closely with Finance, Audit, and HR leadership to maintain robust assurance frameworks and build trust in payroll integrity.

You will oversee payroll governance, risk management, and internal controls, ensuring audit readiness and continuous improvement. Acting as a senior advisor, you will interpret complex enterprise agreements and legislative requirements, translating them into compliant and practical payroll processes. You will also engage with regulators, auditors, and senior stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency.

You will lead and develop a specialist payroll team, fostering capability and a culture of high performance. A key focus will be driving digital transformation, including the use of automation and AI to improve efficiency and service delivery. You will balance strong governance with efficient, high-volume operations to deliver a modern and trusted payroll function.

What Success Looks Like:

• Payroll operations are delivered accurately, on time, and fully compliant.
• Governance, risk, and assurance frameworks are embedded and audit-ready.
• Payroll team capability is strengthened with a focus on service quality.
• Complex legislative and enterprise requirements are translated into practice.
• Continuous improvement and digital transformation initiatives are delivered.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• Tertiary qualifications in Business, HR, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Experience leading payroll or compliance functions in complex organisations.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, taxation, and superannuation.
• Proven ability to lead teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills at senior levels.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Hiring Manager, Mason Elias, Director, HR Operations and Enablement via Mason.Elias@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1504V
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Friday 26th June 2026
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.