Senior Payroll Officer - Fixed Term

New Hope Group (NHG) is a majority Australian-owned and operated diversified energy company which has been proudly based in South-East Queensland for more than 60 years. With a core focus on coal, we also have interests in oil, port, exploration and agriculture and are one of Australia’s top 250 ASX listed companies.

Reporting into the Payroll Manger, the Senior Payroll Officer is responsible for the accurate and timely delivery of payroll services across a diverse workforce, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements, organisational policies and relevant industrial instruments. This role plays a key part in supporting payroll operations, providing technical expertise and guidance to payroll team, assistance with the management of complex payroll matters and driving process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy and compliance. The Senior Payroll Office acts as a key escalation point for payroll related issues and works collaboratively with stakeholders across the business to ensure exceptional payroll service delivery. This role is offered on a full-time basis, 12-month max term Contract role.

About the role:

• Monitor the payroll help desk and coordinate the allocation of queries across the payroll team
• Provide comprehensive support to the payroll team in relation to payroll processing, leave management, payroll returns, reconciliations and associated documentation
• Assist with the preparation and review of statutory obligations, including payroll tax, superannuation, long service leave returns and year end activities, ensuring compliance and the timely submission of payments and reports
• Provide expertise in the interpretation and application of Enterprise Agreements, Modern Awards and the Black Coal Mining Industry Award (2020) across multiple sites and states
• Assist with the calculation and processing of termination payments, ensuring compliance with legislative and organisational requirements
• Act as an escalation point for complex payroll related queries in the absence of the Payroll Manager, liaising effectively with employees, leaders and external stakeholders
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, systems, policies and procedures to enhance efficiency, accuracy and compliance
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders across the organisation
• Provide payroll coverage and support as the designated back up for the Payroll Manager and Payroll Officers during period of leave or increased workload

About you: 

• 5+ years of payroll experience in medium to large organisations, including at least 1 year in a senior payroll position
• Strong knowledge of Fair Work legislation, National Employment Standards (NES), Modern Awards/Enterprise Agreements and the Black Coal Mining Industry Award (2020) desirable
• Demonstrated experience with STP Phase 2, PAYG withholding, superannuation guarantee, payroll tax and workers compensation requirements
• Experience supporting payroll process improvement initiatives and audit readiness activities (desirable) 
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the use of formulas, lookups, pivot tables and data analysis functions
• Competency with payroll systems such as Connx, Micropay, Pulse, or similar platforms is desirable
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment while managing competing priorities and deadlines

What we offer:

• Flexible working arrangements (up to 2 days from home per week)
• Friendly, supportive and professional business culture
• Corporate discounts for private health
• Employee Assistance Program

New Hope is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment with the core objective that our people go home at the end of the day unharmed.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply