Job Description

Merri-bek City Council is a progressive council of 180,000 residents: one community, proudly diverse. Our council area sits within the banks of the Merri Creek and the Moonee Ponds Creek, and includes Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, Glenroy, Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Oak Park and Pascoe Vale. Our city is vibrant and energetic, known for its active community, cultural diversity, creative industries and the arts. Our long-term vision has ambitious goals for environmental sustainability, social justice, community wellbeing, and creating great places. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food and cafés right at the doorstep.

Merri-bek Council strives to be a contemporary, innovative and collaborative organisation with a deep commitment to engaging and supporting the Merri-bek community.  Our organisational vision is to be one team, brave and diverse, making a difference.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly skilled Payroll specialist to oversee the co-ordination of Council’s payroll operations. Reporting to the organisation’s Unit Manager Finance, you will lead a dedicated payroll team of 3 staff (and relevant contractors) to ensure accurate and timely payroll payments to Council’s 1200+ employees in accordance all appropriate legislation and conditions, as well as providing accurate advice to employees, supervisors, line managers, directors and external organisations.

The incumbent will partner with business units across Council and lead an efficient, accurate and responsive unit, working to drive continuous improvement through review and redesign of existing processes to enable efficient and effective work practices to deliver best value, as well as partnering with key stakeholders to understand and anticipate business needs.

• Coordinate preparation and processing of fortnightly payroll for all staff ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, as well as ensuring that leave entitlement calculations are accurate.
• Responsible for ensuring the completion of year-end payroll functions, including production of payment summaries, tax updates, EA rate increases and legislative tax changes.
• Work to drive a culture of continuous improvement to ensure that the function is contemporary, effective and fit for purpose
• Embed a cultural mindset of delivering a high level of customer service
• Responsible for administering and managing the transfer of Long Service Leave entitlements in consultation with other councils.
• Preparation of termination pays, including calculation of pro-rata leave, long service leave, redundancies, gratuity payments and notification to Vision Super of revised salaries and commencement and termination details.
• Reconcile payroll deductions as requested by the employee, including but not limited to, credit union, insurance, medical, superannuation and union dues.
• Administer the Paid Parental Leave Scheme and provide advice to Senior Workplace Relations Lead, HR Business Partners, Managers as well as employees on paid parental leave payments.
• Liaise with external agencies including the ATO, ABS, Centrelink and Services Australia and comply with reporting requirements
• Develop, implement and maintain payroll policies, processes and supporting materials.
• Provide payroll advice and support on the EA, and other applicable industrial instruments and legislation.
• Provide advice and information to both internal and external auditors as required.
• Ensure continuous liaison with the Senior Workplace Relations Lead and Human Resources Business Partners to ensure accuracy and compliance regarding remuneration and benefits.

Applications are sought from candidates with demonstrable payroll leadership experience in a large, complex organisation. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Enterprise Agreements and Industrial legislation applicable to Local Government would be advantageous, but is not essential. The role calls for a degree or diploma in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, with relevant experience, or alternatively lesser formal qualifications combined with extensive and diverse experience or intensive specialist payroll experience.

The organisation is one that offers significant opportunities for career growth and to work as part of a high calibre team who embrace and drive change, provide autonomy and an enviable suite of programs to aid your professional development.

Download the PD by copying and pasting https://tinyurl.com/bdzy9n94 into your browser, or send any specific questions through to Charlie Cole at charlie@camdensearch.com.au. Applications close on Thursday 24th April and all enquiries will be treated with absolute confidence. Third party applications will be forwarded to Camden Search.

Merri-bek City Council has adopted a Statement of Commitment to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the municipality. The statement recognises the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of our municipality.

Merri-bek City Council is committed to being a Child Safe organisation and have zero tolerance for child abuse. We believe children and young people have the right to be and feel safe and that their safety and wellbeing is the responsibility of everyone. You can read more about our Child Safety Commitment Statement on our website.