Job Description

JOIN OUR TEAM

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The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) works to make energy consumers better off, now and in the future. We focus on ensuring a secure, reliable and affordable energy future for Australia as it transitions to net zero emissions.

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We regulate electricity networks and covered gas pipelines, in all jurisdictions except Western Australia. We set the amount of revenue that network businesses can recover from customers for using these networks.

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From 1 July 2026, the AER structurally separated from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and transitioned into a standalone non-corporate Commonwealth entity with its own accountable authority, staff and budgetary control.

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The separation of the AER from the ACCC is a significant regulatory reform aimed at improving the governance and operational autonomy of the AER, and is an exciting time to join us and help shape our new agency.

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THE OPPORTUNITY

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As Senior Payroll Officer, you will:

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Key responsibilities include:

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- Manage and quality assure complex payroll processing across the employee lifecycle, including fortnightly pay runs, terminations, leave liabilities, tax, superannuation, backpay, workers compensation, overpayments, transfers and other adjustments.
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- Investigate and resolve payroll anomalies, apply employment conditions and technical expertise, and provide transparent advice to employees, managers and stakeholders, including modelling remuneration packages for Public Office Holders.
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- Maintain payroll compliance, controls and data integrity through reconciliations, reporting, documentation, audits,



risk monitoring, system reviews and user acceptance testing.
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- Support the Assistant Director and payroll team by providing technical guidance, mentoring and quality assurance, while implementing continuous improvements that strengthen consistent, efficient and sustainable payroll practices.
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WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

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We invite applications from people with the following experience, skills and attributes:

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- At least 4 years' experience processing APS payroll through a payroll software solution and proficient Microsoft office skills, in particular MS Excel.
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- Demonstrated ability to apply best practice payroll processes and controls as well as work with detail and resolve complex and/or sensitive payroll issues
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- Demonstrated ability to independently interpret complex payroll scenarios, perform manual calculations, validate system outcomes and identify discrepancies.
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- Demonstrated ability to design and maintain excel based payroll calculators, templates, tools and other practical solution to support accurate and efficient payroll processing
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- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply legislation, enterprise agreements, determination, policies and APS payroll requirements.
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ELIGIBILITY

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- Australian Citizenship – our successful candidate must be an Australian Citizen
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- Security clearance – our successful candidate is required to hold, or have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the required level
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- Employment check – your suitability for employment will be assessed through a screening process.
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📌 Senior Payroll Officer (South Australia)
🏢 Australian Energy Regulator
📍 South Australia