Payroll & Compliance Officer

• Full time, fixed term (12 month) contract position at HEW Level 5.
• Hawkesbury campus with flexible working arrangements.
• $85,778 – $97,006 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading

Keep payroll accurate, compliant and audit-ready across governance, reporting and employee pay outcomes.

The Opportunity
You will support accurate, compliant and timely payroll outcomes across Western Sydney University by contributing to payroll validation, compliance reporting, reconciliations and assurance activities. Working within the Office of People, you will help ensure payroll operations align with legislative, regulatory and enterprise agreement requirements.

You will share responsibility for superannuation processing, pay processing, payroll compliance and validation activities, while maintaining strong controls, clear documentation and reliable audit trails. You will conduct payroll validation checks, complete variance analysis, prepare compliance reports and support the reporting and payment of employer liabilities including superannuation, tax and staff benefits.

Provide specialist advice on payroll governance and support internal and external audits, compliance reviews and superannuation submissions. You will also contribute to payroll policy and procedure improvements, provide guidance to People Operations staff, and help maintain confidence in payroll processes through accurate employee master data, pay code checks and robust assurance practices.

What Success Looks Like:

• Payroll validation checks, reconciliations and variance analysis are completed accurately and on time.
• Compliance reports for taxation, superannuation and statutory obligations are prepared and submitted.
• Audit trails and payroll documentation are maintained in line with governance standards.
• Complex terminations, backpays and employer liability payments are processed correctly.
• Internal and external payroll audits are supported with accurate records and timely responses.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Finance, Accounting, HR or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience in payroll compliance, controls or audit.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, taxation and superannuation requirements.
• Experience interpreting enterprise agreements, awards or industrial instruments.
• Strong analytical, reconciliation, documentation, interpersonal and communication skills.

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 Nikki French, Manager, Payroll Operations via N.French@westernsydney.edu.au Please include the job reference code REF 1568E.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 13 September 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.