Payroll Officer

Take ownership of payroll in a diverse, operational business

Are you an experienced payroll professional who takes pride in getting the details right, meeting deadlines and making payroll straightforward for employees?

Pacific Marine Group is looking for an experienced Payroll Officer to take ownership of payroll across our Australian and Papua New Guinea operations.

Reporting to the Financial Accountant, this is a hands-on role responsible for delivering accurate and timely payroll across two different jurisdictions, supporting employees and managers, maintaining compliance and helping us continually improve the way our payroll processes operate.

You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and delivery of both Australian and PNG payroll, working across different employment arrangements, legislative requirements and operational environments.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Managing end-to-end payroll processing for our Australian and Papua New Guinea workforces
- Ensuring payroll is processed accurately, compliantly and within required timeframes
- Reviewing and processing timesheets, allowances, deductions and other payroll information
- Maintaining accurate employee and payroll records across the relevant systems
- Applying the appropriate payroll, taxation, superannuation and statutory requirements for each jurisdiction
- Preparing payroll-related reporting, payments and reconciliations
- Managing Australian PAYG withholding, payroll tax and superannuation requirements where applicable
- Managing the applicable PNG payroll,



taxation and statutory requirements
- Investigating and resolving payroll discrepancies
- Responding to employee and manager payroll enquiries across both Australian and PNG operations
- Supporting compliance with applicable modern awards, employment conditions, legislation and company policies
- Assisting the broader Finance team with reporting, banking and other financial administration
- Identifying opportunities to improve payroll systems, processes and controls

We are looking for someone who combines strong payroll knowledge with sound judgement and a genuine service mindset. We're particularly interested in someone who is confident working across multiple jurisdictions and different payroll requirements. You will ideally have:

- Demonstrated experience in payroll or a similar payroll-focused finance position
- Experience processing payroll for a varied or operational workforce
- Working knowledge of superannuation, PAYG withholding, payroll tax and payroll reconciliations
- An understanding of modern awards and Australian payroll compliance requirements
- Experience using payroll, accounting or ERP systems (Netsuite experience highly regarded)
- Robust Microsoft Excel and general computer skills




- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work accurately under deadline pressure
- Confidence investigating discrepancies and working through payroll issues
- Strong communication skills and the ability to explain payroll matters clearly
- A high level of discretion when handling confidential employee information
- The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a broader Finance and support team

A qualification in payroll, accounting, bookkeeping, finance or business administration would be well regarded, but practical payroll experience and capability will be equally valued.

What will make you successful

You are organised, dependable and comfortable taking ownership of a critical business process. You understand that payroll is more than entering data. It directly affects employees, trust and the smooth operation of the business.

You will enjoy working in an environment where priorities can shift, operational teams need timely support and practical problem-solving is valued. You will also be willing to question inefficient processes and help build more reliable ways of working.

Ready to apply?

If you are an experienced payroll professional looking for a role where you can take ownership, support employees and make a meaningful contribution to the way payroll is delivered, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and a short cover letter outlining your payroll experience and the systems you have worked with.

📌 Payroll Officer (Townsville)
🏢 Pacific Marine Group
📍 Townsville