Senior Payroll Lead

Primary DetailsTime Type: Full timeWorker Type: Employee

Location: Sydney or MelbourneType: Permanent, full timeHybrid role, Happy to talk flexible working

The opportunity

The Senior Payroll Lead plays a key role in coordinating and delivering end-to-end payroll operations across Australia and New Zealand, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, compliantly and in line with legislative, governance and service standards. Reporting to the Senior Payroll Manager, the role leads the execution of Australian payroll activities while supporting payroll outcomes across both countries, providing specialist expertise across complex payroll matters, executive payroll, international assignees, audits and remediation. Acting as the primary subject matter expert for escalated payroll enquiries, you will support operational excellence and compliance across the payroll function.

About QBE

At QBE, we get to the heart of what matters for our customers. And we do it all with a human touch.

We’re an international insurer with more than 13,000 people working across 26 countries – which means we’re big enough for your ambitions, yet small enough for you to make a real impact. It’s an exciting time. We’re building momentum towards our vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner.

What if you could have a positive impact – at work and in the world? As part of the QBE team, you’ll get to spend every day working with people who are passionate, talented and kind.

Your new role

The Senior Payroll Lead supports effective payroll delivery through technical leadership, complex payroll processing, governance and operational support across Australia and New Zealand.

Key responsibilities will include:

Coordinate Australian payroll processing to ensure accurate, compliant and timely delivery.Perform pay run preparation and execution activities, with final approval retained by the Senior Payroll Manager.Act as the operational lead and escalation point for Australian payroll enquiries, calculations and investigations.Partner with the Senior Payroll Specialist and broader team to support effective service delivery.Escalate material payroll risks, issues and processing impacts as required.Provide technical coaching, guidance and knowledge sharing to build payroll capability.Coordinate complex payroll activities, including Group Director and international assignee payroll.Support reporting, audits, compliance reviews, payroll health checks and operational improvement initiatives.

About You

The ideal candidate will bring significant experience leading complex end-to-end Australian payroll operations in a medium to large organisation. You will have strong technical knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance, governance and controls and the confidence to manage sensitive and complex payroll matters, supporting audit and remediation activity.

You will also have:

A working knowledge of SAP or ADP Global View preferredStrong understanding of Australian payroll legislation, tax, superannuation and compliance obligations.Experience managing executive payroll, complex payroll scenarios and international assignee payroll.Proven ability to support payroll audits, governance, risk and remediation activities.Strong stakeholder management, problem-solving, coaching and operational leadership capability.Tertiary qualification in Payroll, Finance, Human Resources or related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:

‘Hybrid Working’ – a mix of working from home and in the office to enhance your work/life balanceLife Leave, supporting the life events we all experience, leaving your annual leave for rest18 weeks’ gender-equal flexible leave for all new parents, including paid superA range of discounts on insurance products, car hire, hotels, goods and services

To learn more about benefits of working with us, click here .

Rewards & Recognition

We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:

2025 Winner of Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award at the Insurance Business Australia Awards for our Respect@QBE program Platinum employer on the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) – the definitive national benchmark on LGBTQI+ workplace inclusion Ranked in the top ten in the AAGE Top Graduate Employers 2025 for medium sized program as voted by graduates

APPLY NOW and let’s make it happen!

If you’re looking for a career that combines your expertise and your empathy, click Apply today. Your career. At the heart of it.

Successful applicants will need to complete work rights, police and credit checks through our online provider as a condition of employment.

QBE recognise the value of diverse perspectives and experience. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected for who they are. If we can provide support with access requirements, alternative work arrangements or you would like to connect with one of our networks please contact us at recruitment@qbe.com

Skills:

Analytical Thinking, Business Management, Communication, Critical Thinking, Customer Service, Detail-Oriented, Financial Regulation, Intentional collaboration, Managing performance, Payroll Administration, Payroll Management, Payroll Systems, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Waterfall ModelApplication Close Date: 13/09/2026 11:59 PM

How to Apply:

To submit your application, click "Apply" and follow the step by step process.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.