Apply: Senior Payroll Officer (Finance)

Reference: BH-173040
Senior Payroll Advisor – Local Government
Location: Coburg | Contract Type:  3–4 Month Contract | Rate: $70–90/hour + super

We are currently seeking a capable and experienced Senior Payroll Advisor to support the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant payroll services within a busy local government environment. This key role is responsible for managing complex payroll processes, providing advice on award and legislative interpretation, and contributing to operational improvements across systems and workflows.
This position is ideal for a candidate with proven payroll experience, a strong understanding of enterprise agreements, and hands-on experience using Chris21/iChris (mandatory).

Key Responsibilities Payroll Operations & Compliance
  • Oversee end-to-end payroll processing on a fortnightly basis for all council staff
  • Interpret and apply industrial legislation, Council’s Enterprise Agreement, and relevant awards
  • Manage complex transactions including termination payments, parental leave, and long service leave transfers
  • Conduct payroll reconciliations and support audit preparation and compliance reporting
  • Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure data integrity across systems
Stakeholder Support & Advisory
  • Provide expert payroll advice to HR and Finance teams, as well as managers across the organisation
  • Communicate payroll processes and compliance requirements to non-financial managers in a clear and practical manner
  • Support ongoing education around entitlements and legislative changes
  • Collaborate with the Payroll Coordinator and other internal stakeholders on process improvements
System Management & Process Improvement
  • Operate and maintain payroll systems such as Chris21/iChris (mandatory), Microsoft NAV, and Time & Attendance platforms
  • Contribute to the enhancement of payroll procedures and governance practices
  • Identify and escalate areas for system optimisation or process refinement
Key Skills & Attributes
  • Strong knowledge of enterprise agreements, employment legislation, and public sector payroll obligations
  • Demonstrated ability to manage payroll in a multi-entity environment with a high level of accuracy
  • Strong numeracy, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel and general Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a focus on internal service delivery
  • High level of attention to detail and the ability to work independently and within a team
  • Understanding of broader organisational objectives and the strategic goals of the People & Culture function
Qualifications & Experience
  • Tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline
  • Postgraduate studies (completed or in progress) highly regarded
  • 1–3+ years of specialist payroll experience, preferably in a government or complex organisational setting
  • Chris21/iChris experience is essential
  • Previous experience in local government is highly regarded
  • Experience with Microsoft NAV and time & attendance systems is beneficial
How to Apply
If you are a capable payroll professional with strong public sector experience and hands-on Chris21/iChris knowledge, we encourage you to apply today.


At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.

You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.
Company Background:

Chandler Macleod is a highly regarded and well established recruitment organisation, part of RGF Staffing and Recruit Holdings, the fourth largest staffing network in the world! We partner with over 3500 companies globally providing job hunters with endless opportunities to find and succeed in their work.

Chandler Macleod knows what it takes to recruit, select, and retain the best people. We’re in the business of understanding how people tick because we’ve been digging deep into people’s needs and motivations since 1959.

We uncover the ‘BestFit™’ for employers and job hunters alike by looking beyond the CV’s and JD’s. This allows us to match candidates to jobs that bring out their best and discover people that can make businesses boom.

We’re a team of flexible thinkers and detail obsessors, who believe that the right fit can lead to a happier life. Because when you really get people, you really open up a world of opportunity.

There are several brands that make up Chandler Macleod, these include our Staffing business, our Consulting business, our xPO Talent Solutions business and our Managed Services business.

You can learn more at our website: www.chandlermacleod.com

We are Chandler Macleod. We get people.

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