Payroll Processing Officer

Role overview

Guardian Childcare & Education is seeking a Payroll Processing Officer to join its support team. The position may be based in Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne. This is a detail-focused payroll role where accuracy, timeliness, and accountability are essential, because every pay run affects real people who depend on being paid correctly.

You will handle end-to-end payroll processing in a busy, high-volume environment, ensuring compliance, precision, and smooth service delivery across the organisation. The role suits someone who enjoys working carefully, managing competing priorities, and taking responsibility for getting things right the first time.

Key responsibilities

• Run weekly payroll accurately and within required deadlines
• Set up and process ad hoc pay runs when needed
• Review and validate backdated changes before they are included in payroll
• Investigate payroll mismatches and help identify repeat causes
• Support payroll actions for new starters and departing employees in line with compliance requirements
• Keep payroll records accurate and assist with system maintenance and updates
• Reply to employee and manager payroll questions promptly and clearly
• Track payroll support tickets, resolving issues or escalating them where appropriate
• Partner with internal stakeholders to deliver a reliable payroll experience

What success in this role looks like

• Payroll is processed correctly and on schedule every time
• Adjustments are checked, documented, and managed properly
• Joiners and leavers are handled accurately and without delay
• Payroll information remains current, compliant, and well maintained
• Questions are answered professionally and efficiently
• You stay composed, structured, and effective during peak periods
• You help improve payroll processes rather than only maintaining them

What we are looking for

This opportunity may suit someone with a payroll, finance support, or high-volume administration background where deadlines, accuracy, and responsibility were part of the job. Experience processing payroll in a fast-moving environment is important, along with strong attention to detail and a good understanding of payroll legislation and compliance. Familiarity with MicrOpay or Humanforce is preferred. You should also be able to communicate well, stay organised under pressure, follow through on tasks, and work positively as part of a team.

About Guardian Childcare & Education

Guardian Childcare & Education is focused on giving children and families the strongest possible start. Its support office plays a key role in keeping operations running smoothly, including payroll. The organisation values accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement, and offers a workplace where your contribution is trusted and meaningful.

Diversity, inclusion and reconciliation

Guardian Childcare & Education is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. Different cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences are seen as strengths that help teams grow. The organisation is committed to creating a respectful and supportive environment where everyone feels valued. It also has a strong commitment to Reconciliation and to building a workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel a genuine sense of belonging and connection.

Child safety and screening requirements

Child safety and wellbeing are treated as the highest priority. The organisation maintains zero tolerance for abuse or harm and carries out thorough screening for prospective team members. This includes a 10-year verifiable resume, five years of direct manager references, and additional security checks to ensure candidates meet the required standards. Where an applicant has not been employed for that long, these expectations will be adjusted accordingly.