About Us
CEA is an Australian Commonwealth company that designs, develops, manufactures and sustains advanced active phased array radar systems.
The company's design principles and commitment to investment in research and development ensures innovative thinking, technological skill, and quality fabrication.
Our programs include the ANZAC and Hunter Class frigates and air defence applications for Army and Air Force, and Range applications.
Through our longstanding and ongoing collaboration with Defence, CEA Technologies has undertaken research and development into all aspects of active electronically scanned array technologies.
This has resulted in the creation of a highly modular and scalable product suite, which have become integral to a wide range of critical Defence capabilities.
The Position
We are looking for an experienced Project Lead to join our motivated Payroll team.
As the Payroll Project Lead you will be responsible for leading the delivery of payroll-related projects and system initiatives across the organisation.
With a specialised focus on payroll system upgrades, HRIS/payroll integration, payroll process improvement, governance uplift, and data integrity.
This chance will suit a knowledgeable Payroll Project lead who enjoys engaging stakeholders at all levels to understand the finer details.
Someone who is passionate about delivering reliable, impactful payroll systems and processes that are contemporary, compliant, efficient, secure, and aligned to company requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll system upgrade and implementation
Lead payroll system upgrade and transformation projects from planning through to implementation and stabilisation.
Coordinate project activities across payroll, HR, finance, IT, cyber security, and external vendors.
Coordinate system configuration, integration activities, testing, cutover planning, and go-live support.
Business analysis and process improvement
Analyse current payroll processes, workflows, controls, and system functionality to identify manual workarounds, system gaps, and operational risks and develop sustainable solutions and improvement opportunities.




Lead payroll process mapping and redesign activities to improve efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and user experience.
Develop standard operating procedures, process documentation, and governance frameworks.
Payroll governance and compliance
Support compliance with relevant legislation, awards, enterprise agreements, taxation, superannuation, and reporting obligations.
Ensure strong payroll governance, controls, audit readiness, and data integrity processes are maintained throughout project delivery.
Support remediation activities where payroll issues or inconsistencies are identified.
Reporting and Data Analysis
Develop project reporting, dashboards, and status updates for senior leadership and governance forums.
Analyse payroll and workforce data to support decision-making and system improvement initiatives.
Support data migration, cleansing, validation, and reconciliation activities.
Our Benefits
Six weeks of paid annual leave per year
Superannuation of 14.0%
Free car parking
Paid parental, compassionate, defence reserve & voluntary emergency services leave
Employee assistance and wellbeing programs
Access to health insurance for the defence community, partners and families
Salary packaging for novated leasing
Opportunities for professional growth and development
Our Ideal Candidate
5+ years' experience leading system implementation or upgrade projects and organisational transformation activates, preferably specialising in Payroll implementation and transformation.
Strong understanding of payroll operations, legislation, compliance obligations, and payroll governance principles.
Experience in HRIS/payroll systems analysis, business process improvement, and project delivery.




Demonstrated ability to gather and translate business requirements into practical system and process solutions.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
Experience coordinating system testing, data validation, and implementation activities.
Highly developed stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities in a complex operational environment.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.
Desirable
Experience within complex, regulated, manufacturing, engineering, government, or defence-related environments.
Formal qualifications in Project Management, Payroll, HR, Finance, Business Analysis or related disciplines.
Eligibility
An Australian Citizen;
Eligible to obtain and maintain an AGSVA clearance – Negative Vetting 1.
To find out more about our Citizenship and Nationality requirements, please visit
How to apply
Click on the 'Apply Now' button below.
Please include a current copy of your resume and complete the screening questions.
Applications without these elements will not be considered.
CEA encourages the submissions of early applications as we may review, short-list and/or conduct interviews for this role prior to the closing date.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at CEA
CEA is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to create a culture where all employees are respected and empowered to contribute positively to our organisation, regardless of their cultural background, age, gender identity, neurodiversity, disability, family and carer commitments, religion or sexuality.
We welcome applications from veterans, those returning from a career break, people with disabilities and those who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
For information on Equal Employment Opportunity & Privacy or Security & Citizenship requirements please visit
Should you require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know.
You can also email ••••@cea.com.au for a confidential discussion.
Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted

📌 Payroll Project Lead (Canberra)
🏢 CEA Technologies
📍 Canberra