Payroll Manager

About QIMR Berghofer

QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading translational medical research institute focused on improving health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies, specifically in the areas of Cancer, Infection and Inflammation, Brain and Mental Health, and Population Health. Based in Herston, Brisbane and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 1000 scientists, students and non-research staff.

About The People & Culture Team

The People & Culture Department encompasses HR Strategy & Development, HR Operations, Graduate Development, Payroll, and Safety & Wellbeing. The Payroll Team is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of employee salaries and entitlements across the organisation. The team manages payroll compliance, superannuation, taxation, leave entitlements, Award and Enterprise Agreement interpretation, and reporting, while ensuring adherence to relevant legislation and organisational policies.

About The Role

The Payroll Manager will oversee the end‑to‑end payroll function for a diverse workforce including researchers, clinical staff, professional employees, and grant‑funded personnel. You will ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing while driving continuous improvement and providing exceptional internal support.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the operations of all payroll services ensuring compliance with relevant financial management and human resource legislative requirements and consistent with established QIMR Berghofer's business frameworks, financial policies and practices.
• Provide a high level of expert advice, information and reporting on payroll activities to management, staff and external organisations as required.
• Develop and manage effective relationships with external agencies, such as QSuper, WorkCover, Remuneration Service providers and Financial Auditors, and provide expert and professional representation on behalf of QIMR Berghofer at appropriate forums.
• Manage QIMR's Aurion Payroll and Employee Self Service (ESS) systems, including upgrading of system functionality where required.
• Review, develop, and/or implement Payroll policies, procedures, documentation and services.
• Identify opportunities for enhancing remuneration related employee benefits.
• Provide effective leadership and day-to-day supervision of the payroll team.

About You

You are proactive with strong technical capability and a collaborative approach. You thrive in complex environments and are passionate about accuracy, compliance, and service excellence.

You Will Ideally Bring

• Tertiary qualifications in an accounting related discipline, and/or extensive experience in the delivery of payroll and its integration with human resources and financial systems.
• Expert understanding of legislation and regulations governing employment, taxation and superannuation, as they relate to payroll.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff and external organisations (including government agencies).
• Highly developed skills in payroll systems and producing reports through Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Sound leadership and performance management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions which may create a significant impact on individuals and/or the organisation.

Remuneration

A competitive remuneration package will be discussed.

Employment

Full‑time continuing position.

For further information

Please contact Justine Kay, Senior Manager Employee Relations and Operations on

Closing Date

Sunday, 28 June 2026

Why Join Us

• Support research that improves lives and advances healthcare outcomes
• Employer Superannuation of up to 15%
• Salary packaging benefits (up to $15,900 of your annual salary tax free)
• Salary package up to $2,650 of your pre‑tax income for entertainment expenses
• An Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport
• Generous leave provisions including an annual Wellbeing Day
• Professional Development Program
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion