Senior Payroll Team Lead

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Senior Payroll Team Lead at Kinyara Health is a hands on, end-to-end payroll leadership role across a growing multi-state organisation, with a strong focus on SCHADS Award interpretation, compliance and system configuration in HRIS and Employment Hero. You’ll partner with Finance, People and Culture and operations to ensure accurate, timely payroll while driving continuous improvement and reducing manual work. Melbourne based is preferred but candidates from outside metro are welcome; flexible arrangements including part-time 0.8 or 0.9 FTE. To apply, tailor your resume to show end-to-end payroll across Australia, SCHADS expertise, systems proficiency, and examples of process improvements; be ready for a phone screen, interviews, and a psychometric assessment.

About Us

Kinyara Health is a business with a unique mission: to keep personal, local care alive for ageing Australians and people living with disability - helping individuals find their forever home care within one of our remarkable, community‑founded brands across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. 

In the face of significant industry reform, we’ve doubled down on this commitment. As a result, Kinyara has grown at pace - expanding into the hearts and homes of more Australians, while staying true to the local care that defines us. 

Our growing group operates through a distinctive service model, where long‑established community businesses (some with legacies of up to 45 years) have their histories and connections honoured. These local teams are supported by shared services and a technology‑forward approach that strengthens consistency and sustainability - without ever compromising client experience or community connection. 

Through growth and transition, we remain deeply anchored to our purpose, quality standards and culture - creating an environment that attracts thoughtful, capable people who are motivated to do meaningful work and make a genuine impact. 

About The Role

We’re looking for a capable and detail‑focused Senior Payroll Team Lead to take ownership of the payroll function within a growing, multi‑state organisation.

This is a hands-on role where you will lead the day-to-day delivery of payroll while also strengthening how the function operates - bringing structure, clarity and consistency across systems, processes and compliance.

You’ll work closely with Finance, People and Culture, and operational teams, acting as the central point of expertise on payroll, award interpretation and system configuration. A key part of the role will be ensuring the organisation stays ahead of legislative and award changes - particularly within the SCHADS Award - and that systems and practices remain aligned as the business continues to scale.

This role will suit someone who enjoys owning their space end-to-end, is comfortable working across both detail and big picture, and is motivated by improving how things work - not just maintaining the status quo.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Owning end-to-end payroll delivery across the organisation, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timeliness
• Acting as the internal expert on payroll, awards and legislative requirements, with a strong focus on the SCHADS Award
• Leading the day-to-day performance and continuous improvement of the payroll function
• Partnering closely with P&C and the broader Finance team to ensure alignment across systems, processes and employee lifecycle activities
• Overseeing payroll systems in the HRIS and ensuring they remain accurate, up to date and fit for purpose
• Strengthening processes, reducing manual handling, and improving overall efficiency and consistency

There is a preference for Melbourne-based talent however we are open to candidates outside of Metro Melbourne. Flexible working arrangements are available, including part-time (0.8 / 0.9 FTE).

About You

You bring solid and proven payroll experience, with deep technical capability, sound judgement and a practical, solutions-focused approach.

Comfortable owning the payroll function end-to-end, you work across both operational delivery and continuous improvement, and build effective relationships with stakeholders across Finance, People and Culture and the broader business.

You're also confident leading a small team, stepping in to support on more complex or technical matters.

With a strong eye for detail, you take pride in accuracy, while also looking to improve how things work - bringing practical ideas that strengthen processes as the business continues to grow.

Beyond the technical, you understand that effective and consistent payroll plays a critical role in the overall employee experience - creating trust, stability and confidence across the organisation.

Our ideal candidate will also have: 

• Experience managing end-to-end payroll in Australia
• Strong working knowledge of the SCHADS Award
• Confidence interpreting awards, legislation and compliance requirements, and explaining these clearly
• Experience with Employment Hero (or a comparable system)
• High attention to detail and strong accuracy
• Ability to manage competing priorities across BAU and improvement work
• Experience working with geographically dispersed teams and stakeholders
• A continuous improvement mindset focused on systems and process efficiency
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to support and guide others on technical matters

Other role requirements: 

• Australian working rights. 
• Driver licence
• Background check: NDIS Worker Screening Check or National Police Check (or willingness to obtain) 

About The Good Stuff

• Flexible working arrangements - open to a model that supports your way of working and living including part-time and remote options
• The opportunity to take ownership of a key function within a growing organisation
• Exposure to a multi-state, operational environment with real complexity and variety
• Join a growing organisation that has scaled rapidly, offering stability, opportunity and exposure to change during a time of significant sector reform
• Meaningful work in the home care sector, where strong internal processes support better outcomes for teams, clients and communities
• Work alongside a supportive team that values sound judgement, thoughtful decision-making and continuous learning

About The Process

Our process includes an initial phone screen, interviews with key stakeholders, and a psychometric assessment to support the process.

We aim to keep things transparent and well-paced, with clear communication throughout.

Apply now and join us on the journey to shaping the future of Australian home care.