Job Description

We are excited to introduce an exciting opportunity for a Portable Long Service Leave (PLSL) Specialist.

The Portable Long Service Leave (PLSL) Specialist plays an important role in ensuring that Downer Group meets all statutory PLSL obligations across multiple jurisdictions. This role is responsible for managing levy submissions, service returns, and employee eligibility, while maintaining accurate data and strong compliance controls.

Working closely with Payroll, HR, Finance, Business Services Centre (BSC), and external PLSL Boards, this position supports efficient end-to-end processes and drives continuous improvement to strengthen operational performance and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

PLSL Compliance and Reporting

• Prepare and submit accurate service returns, levy payments, and reimbursement claims within statutory timeframes.
• Maintain up-to-date access and permissions for PLSL Board systems and portals.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure correct employee classifications and eligibility in alignment with legislation and internal standards.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison with state-based Portable Long Service Leave authorities.
• Respond to enquiries from internal stakeholders, including Payroll, People & Culture, Finance, and employees.
• Support audit requests and provide accurate and timely information to internal and external parties.

Financial and Data Integrity

• Reconcile PLSL-related balance sheet accounts, ensuring accuracy and timely journal entries.
• Analyse and validate data across HR and Payroll systems to maintain compliance and reporting accuracy.

Continuous Improvement & Risk Management

• Maintain robust internal controls and process documentation to minimise risk and enhance efficiency.
• Identify and implement process improvements, leveraging data insights and digital tools where appropriate.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and values-driven workplace culture by supporting learning and collaboration across the team.

What You Will Bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in accounting, finance, business, or related field (Payroll certification desirable).
• Minimum three years’ experience in payroll, payroll accounting, or financial control within a complex organisation.
• Sound understanding of State and Portable Long Service Leave legislation and compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to work with large ERP and payroll systems, including strong data validation and reporting capability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to engage confidently with internal and external stakeholders, providing clear and professional communication.
• Advanced Excel proficiency, and exposure to automation or BI tools (such as Power BI) is highly advantageous.
• A collaborative mindset, strong organisational skills, and a proactive approach to learning and improvement.

Benefits Of Working with Downer

• Work with an ASX listed company, working with market leaders.
• Grow your career with us, we are passionate about giving our people opportunities to grow through personal and professional development and continuous learning:
  • Professional development programs
    • Access to professional memberships and industry networks
• Be part of a team that cares, we foster a work environment built on support that is flexible around our employee’s wellbeing needs:
  • Flexible work arrangements
    • Parental leave
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Programs promoting diversity and inclusion
• A range of Corporate Benefits, including:  
  • Discounted services (car hires, hotels, insurance, retail stores, gyms)

Why Downer?

You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.

We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.

We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with this role, we’d still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.