Job Description

An opportunity exists for a Senior Payroll Officer (1-year maximum term contract) to deliver accurate, timely and compliant payroll outcomes across a complex environment.

This role provides subject matter expertise, supports quality assurance, and acts as an escalation point for complex payroll matters. Working closely with the Payroll Manager, the position also contributes to strengthening governance, compliance and continuous improvement across Payroll Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Process complex payroll transactions including terminations, adjustments, back pays and off-cycle payments
• Perform and review payroll reconciliations (superannuation, PAYG, payroll tax and general ledger)
• Ensure compliance with legislation, enterprise agreements, modern awards and internal policies
• Review and validate payroll outputs to ensure accuracy and minimise risk
• Provide guidance and support to Payroll Officers, acting as an escalation point when required
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and respond to payroll enquiries in a timely and professional manner
• Support system updates, testing activities and continuous improvement initiatives
• Contribute to a safe and compliant workplace aligned to Zero Harm principles

What You Will Bring

• Demonstrated experience in payroll within a medium to large organisation, including complex scenarios
• Strong knowledge of Australian payroll legislation, enterprise agreements and modern awards
• High attention to detail with strong reconciliation and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a high-volume environment
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience using enterprise payroll systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle or similar)
• Advanced Excel capability and a continuous improvement mindset

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?

As a trusted name in infrastructure, transport, facilities management, and construction, Downer is committed to delivering projects that create a lasting, positive legacy. 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.