Introduction

Wilderness School is a non-denominational day and boarding girl’s school educating students from Early Learning Centre through to Year 12. Since 1884, Wilderness School has prepared girls to be adventurous, courageous, responsible, and respectful learners and leaders. At Wilderness, we strive to enable each student to be the best that she can be.

Description

About the Role

Wilderness School is seeking an experienced and highly organised Senior Payroll Officer to join our Finance team in a permanent, part-time 0.6FTE capacity.

This is a key role responsible for delivering an accurate, timely and comprehensive end-to-end payroll service for the School, approximately 250 employees. Working closely with the Finance Manager, Business Manager and Director of People & Culture, you will ensure our payroll processes are efficient, compliant and provide a high level of service to our staff.

The successful applicant will ideally commence mid November. The 0.6FTE (22.5 hours) can be split over multiple days, and will negotiable for the right candidate, however Mondays are essential.

In this role, you will:

- Manage end-to-end fortnightly payroll processing, including salaries, leave, superannuation, salary sacrifice and payroll journals
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of PAYG, superannuation and salary packaging, including end-of-year requirements
- Process payroll variations, additional hours, casual claims, overtime, deductions and leave
- Interpret Enterprise Agreement and Award provisions relating to salary classifications, allowances and entitlements
- Maintain accurate payroll,



leave and timesheet records and systems
- Undertake payroll reporting, reconciliations and audit-related activities
- Respond to staff payroll queries and provide timely, accurate advice
- Work collaboratively with Finance and People & Culture on payroll and industrial matters.

Skills And Experiences

About You

- Significant experience managing end-to-end payroll, ideally within an organisation of a similar size
- Strong knowledge of payroll practices, superannuation, taxation and leave entitlements
- Demonstrated ability to interpret relevant legislation, Enterprise Agreements and Awards
- High-level proficiency in payroll and finance systems
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills
- The ability to manage competing priorities and meet critical payroll deadlines
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- A high level of discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
- Experience using ADP Payroll, working within a school setting, and knowledge of the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award 2020 will be highly regarded.

Why work for us?

At Wilderness School,



we know that people thrive when they feel supported, valued, and inspired. Along with a strong sense of community, we offer 16 weeks of paid parental leave to support your family when it matters most, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for your wellbeing, onsite yoga classes to recharge mind and body, in-house leadership development to grow your career and an onsite café to connect and unwind.

Join a workplace where professional excellence and personal wellbeing go hand in hand.

How to Apply For details about Wilderness School, please visit the School’s website at https://wilderness.com.au/employment.

For a copy of the position description, please see here.

To apply, please provide the following addressed to Mrs Belinda Arnfield, Principal:

- Resume/CV
- Covering letter addressing the key areas of responsibility.
- Contact details of three referees

Applications will close 9am Monday 19th October 2026. Please do not email your applications, please apply through the portal.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Olivia Stapleton-Pitt, Director of People & Culture on (08) 8343 1081.

The School reserves the right to shortlist and interview candidates prior to the closing date.

The successful applicant will be required to maintain a valid Working With Children Check, Protective Practices and Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care training, as well as adhere to the School’s Child Protection Policy. We encourage you to apply for your Working With Children Check should you not currently hold one.

📌 Senior Payroll Officer (South Australia)
🏢 Wilderness School People u0026 Culture
📍 South Australia