About the Company
Elite Executive is partnering with a long-established and highly regarded regional employer in Far North Queensland to appoint an experienced Payroll Leader.

With a substantial local workforce and large-scale operations, the organisation has a strong presence in the region and offers the stability of an established business alongside an setting that continues to invest in its people, systems and operational capability.

This is an opportunity to join a business where payroll is an important, valued and highly visible function, working across a diverse workforce and alongside experienced teams within Finance, HR and Operations.

The organisation offers a supportive regional working environment, attractive remuneration and additional benefits, with relocation assistance available for candidates considering a move to Far North Queensland.

About the Role
The Payroll Leader will take ownership of the end-to-end payroll function, overseeing and delivering accurate, compliant and timely weekly and monthly payrolls for approximately 350 employees. You will also lead a Payroll Officer while remaining hands-on across the full payroll cycle.

A key part of the role will be becoming the organisation’s trusted payroll subject matter expert. You will confidently interpret Enterprise Agreements, Awards and legislation, resolve complex payroll matters and work closely with Finance, HR and operational stakeholders to ensure payroll is delivered consistently and effectively.

The Payroll Leader will also contribute to the continued development of the payroll function through systems enhancements, and process improvements. Working within a SAP Payroll environment,



you will help shape future payroll systems capability while identifying opportunities to improve how payroll data and insights are used across the business.

Your Responsibilities

- Take ownership of the end-to-end payroll function across weekly and monthly payrolls, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely payroll delivery while providing technical leadership to the Payroll Officer.
- Act as the organisation's payroll subject matter expert, confidently interpreting Enterprise Agreements and payroll legislation, resolving complex payroll matters, driving systems enhancements and continuous improvement initiatives, and helping shape improved payroll reporting, workforce planning and payroll systems capability.
- Partner closely with Finance, HR and operational leaders to build trusted relationships, translate payroll data into clear business insights, and provide solutions-focused advice that supports informed business decision-making.

Skills and Experience Required

- Demonstrated experience leading payroll within a medium to large, complex payroll environment.
- Extensive knowledge of Australian payroll legislation, Awards, Enterprise Agreements and payroll compliance.
- Experience with enterprise payroll systems such as SAP, UKG Dimensions or similar.
- Exposure to payroll system implementations, upgrades or process improvement initiatives.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence to engage leaders across the business.
- Experience within manufacturing, industrial, agriculture,



mining or similarly operational environments will be highly regarded.

Benefits

- Attractive salary package of $120,000-$140,000 plus Superannuation.
- Opportunity to lead an established and respected payroll function.
- Play a key role in upcoming payroll systems transformation projects.
- Relocation assistance (if relevant) available for the successful candidate.
- Join a collaborative executive team that values continuous improvement and innovation.
- Far North Queensland lifestyle opportunity.

If you are an experienced payroll professional looking to combine technical expertise, leadership and systems improvement within a large and complex organisation, we would welcome your application.

How to Apply

Please apply via the link, including a cover letter and a recent copy of your resume. Shortlisted candidates will receive further details about the role.

Closing date for applications will be 1700hrs Thursday 24th September 2026.

Applications will be reviewed as received and suitable candidates may be progressed prior to the closing date.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and suitable candidates progressed without delay.

Please note that all communication with Elite Executive is maintained strictly confidential. No information will be forwarded to any party without your permission as we respect your right to explore employment opportunities.

At Elite Executive we are committed to creating inclusive workplaces that promote and value diversity and inclusion. We encourage and welcome people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply.

ONLY APPLICANTS WITH THE RIGHT TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE.

📌 Payroll Manager (Cairns)
🏢 Elite Executive
📍 Cairns