Payroll Compliance Manager

Community Enterprise Queensland – Cairns QLD >Are you ready to embark on a career journey that offers professional growth working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in remote communities and related networks and delivers a meaningful impact? Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) seeks a dedicated individual to fill the pivotal role of Payroll Compliance Manager. As a critical team member, you will be at the heart of our support services function in the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area, and remote Aboriginal communities. Operating in 31 retail stores across remote locations, CEQ ensures access to quality fresh food, groceries, and essential services like fuel, gas, and ATM facilities. Your role will be based in the busy and culturally diverse Cairns Support Office. It really needs you to be enthusiastic about making a difference and ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that aligns with your values (ours is “caring, every day, always”) and aspirations. If so, we invite you to join us at Community Enterprise Queensland. To take this step in your exciting career journeying, apply for this role. Summary The Payroll Compliance Manager is responsible for the end-to-end execution and oversight of payroll processing at CEQ, ensuring systems and processes are both efficient and compliant. Reporting to the General Manager Corporate Services and working closely with People & Workplace Culture, the Payroll Compliance Manager brings exceptional expertise in the processing of payroll for medium to large and complex businesses. Providing expert advice, the Payroll Compliance Manager understands employment laws, including interpretation of the NES, Modern Awards and ensures compliance with tax and superannuation regulations. This role is responsible for the coaching and guidance on accurate salary payments, deductions, and benefits to the Payroll, Finance and People & Workplace Culture teams. The Payroll Compliance Manager is expected to lead the operational delivery of payroll, ensuring timely and accurate payments, while uplifting the function to meet compliance with all relevant industrial instruments, including Modern Awards and enterprise agreements. Partnering with a cross-cultural, geographically dispersed team from Cairns to Cape York Peninsula, Gulf of Carpentaria, North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands, the Payroll Compliance Manager will work in alignment with the CEQ vision and values and plays an integral role in ensuring the ongoing success and reputation of CEQ as an employer of choice. Qualifications & Experience A relevant vocational qualification, such as a Certificate III in Accounts Administration, Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, or Diploma of Payroll Services, is preferred. Previous experience working in a similar role within the Retail environment or Public Sector is desirable but not essential. Previous experience working in a similar role with large and complex business. Software & Systems Experience Advanced level of competency using the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams). Over 5 years of experience using relevant payroll software like Pronto MYOB, Xero etc. Advanced level of competency of administering Time and attendance systems like Humanforce. Working Knowledge of Power BI, connecting to payroll systems, extracting data, and visualizing it through Power BI for clear insights. Team Work as part of the payroll team within the Corporate Services department, and guide, train and coach the Payroll team. Ability to work in a cross-cultural team environment and provide peer support to other team members. Build and foster collegial relationships across all teams in the business to ensure high team member engagement, productivity and the success of CEQ. Digital Developing competency in the ethical use of AI technologies where appropriate and approved by the General Manager- Corporate Services. Key Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to Payroll Operations & Compliance Take full ownership of the end-to-end payroll process, from data input and validation through to payment execution, reporting, and reconciliation. Oversee the execution of payroll processes to ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation, awards, and internal policies. Conduct regular audits and risk assessments to identify gaps and implement corrective actions. Stay abreast of legislative changes and proactively update processes and documentation to maintain compliance. Reporting & Analytics Lead the development of payroll dashboards and reporting tools to provide visibility into key metrics such as accuracy, timeliness, compliance, and cost. Collaborate with Finance, HR, and IT to ensure data integrity and alignment with organizational goals. Use data insights to drive process improvements and strategic decision-making. Team Development & Training Lead the creation, maintenance, and rollout of a comprehensive Payroll Operations Manual to standardize processes and ensure consistency across the team. Design and deliver structured training programs to upskill payroll team members on systems, procedures, and compliance requirements. Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the payroll team. Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to the Payroll team, focusing on deepening their understanding of employment legislation, modern awards, and enterprise agreements. Support the Payroll team in interpreting complex payroll scenarios and applying legal frameworks accurately. Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions and case studies to build confidence and decision-making capability. Extensive knowledge and interpretation of multiple awards, including, but not limited to, General Retail Industry Award 2020 and Clerks Private Sector Award 2010. Ability to navigate challenging payroll scenarios and demonstrated experience in payroll remediation processes. Proven problem‑solving skills. Excellent adaptability skills in an ever‑changing employment regulations landscape. Current Criminal History check – no more than 3 months old. Annual Performance Partnership CEQ team members will complete an Annual Performance Partnership (APP), which is a structured performance and professional development discussion which relates to KPI’s aligned with the Strategic Priorities of the business and the CEQ values. The overall result of the APP is also based on how well team members have aligned with the CEQ Values, and achieving their professional goals set for the year. Our Culture CEQ promote an honest, progressive, collaborate, respectful and inclusive teamwork environment throughout the establishment, culturing diversity and growth within the workforce. Benefits 4 weeks annual leave & 17.5% leave loading. Ability to Salary Sacrifice up to $15,900.00 p.a. (meals & entertainment options). Employee assistance program (counselling & support services) available. Opportunity for career growth. Workplace health and wellbeing initiatives. To apply for this career opportunity please click apply via Seek and attach a copy of your resume and cover letter. Applications close 24 November 2025 , however we reserve the right to close the position earlier than stated. #J-18808-Ljbffr