Payroll Advisor

Shellharbour City Council Full Time Permanent 5/02/2026

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced and motivated payroll professional to join our team to run a weekly payroll in accordance with the Local Government Award, Council policies and other legislative requirements.

This role plays a key part in leading operations of our weekly payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance, while providing exceptional service to both staff and management. Working within the People and Culture team, the successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Payroll Coordinator and the current incumbent as this opportunity provides an ample handover and training period to ensure payroll functions are completed smoothly and reliably each week with a shared commitment to service.

In addition, you will be responsible for undertaking various payroll and compliance functions, such as superannuation, payroll reconciliations, workers compensation, system audits and end of financial year processing to ensure overall efficiency of payroll operations.

Why you will love working with us

Our payroll team is a small, close‑knit group where collaboration, support and shared expertise are part of everyday work. As part of the People and Culture team you will work in a supportive environment where there are opportunities for professional development and hybrid working opportunities that promote a healthy work–life balance.

You will also finish each week with a great sense of purpose and job satisfaction. Payroll in local government plays a vital role in supporting the people who deliver essential community services. Your work will make sure that Council employees who keep the city running are paid accurately and on time every week.


 
Position Title: Payroll Advisor
Reports to: Payroll Coordinator
Employment Type: Full-Time, 35 hours per week with flexi-time
Location: Shellharbour City Centre
Work Arrangements: Hybrid - opportunities for flexible working and/or work from home 
Salary: Base of $75,356 - $83,198 per annum dependent on qualifications, skills and experience 
Other Benefits: Annual bonus payment(s), Additional leave (Concessional, Health and Wellbeing and Personal Leave), Study Support, flexible working arrangements and Annual Award increases.
 
Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for someone who brings both technical capability and a collaborative mindset, someone who values accuracy, clear communication and works well with others.  You will need to be an individual that thrives on routine, acts in accordance with legislation and values the importance of teamwork. Knowledge of Local Government and the LG Award would be highly regarded. 

Essential requirements:
  • Demonstrated previous experience in high level payroll administration, supported by strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Previous experience with complex integrated HRIS/ERP preferably TechnologyOne or similar (i.e: SAP or Oracle)
  • Strong data‑entry, numeracy, and time‑management capabilities, with a methodical and steady approach to day‑to‑day tasks.
  • A willingness to listen, review information thoughtfully, analyse issues collaboratively and engage in continuous improvement initiatives.
  • A commitment to contributing to a positive organisational culture that values respect, inclusiveness and constructive teamwork.
  • The ability to interpret Award and payroll information and explain it clearly and respectfully to staff and management.
 
Pre‑Employment Checks
Successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police History Check, along with other relevant employment checks.
 
For further information about the position, click here.
 
Contact: Lana Roeder, Payroll Coordinator on 4221 6314 should you wish to discuss the role in more detail.
 
Closing date: Wednesday, 18 February 2026 at 11:30pm.
 
About us
Shellharbour City Council is a dynamic local government organisation serving a thriving coastal community of over 82,000 residents. Located just 1.5 hours south of Sydney, the region offers an exceptional lifestyle, combining natural beauty with strong career opportunities. With more than 435 permanent employees, Council delivers essential services and facilities that support the day‑to‑day lives of our community, including a Regional Airport, Marina, Golf Course, Libraries, Sports Stadium and a modern Service Depot that underpins our operational workforce.
 
Apply now...
 
Complete the application below by answering the questions, describing how your skills and experience are relevant to the position. Your Resume and qualifications can be attached on the NEXT page. Once you start your online application, you may save and return to this later, however incomplete applications will not be considered. You may wish to prepare your responses in a word document and then COPY and PASTE into the fields below. Your Resume and qualifications can be attached on the NEXT page. When you have submitted your application, an email confirmation will be sent to your nominated email address. 
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For further information about the selection process including tips on how to address the selection criteria, please view our Guide To Applying
 
Our Core Values
 
At Shellharbour City Council, our values are, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, Respect, and Sustainability. 
These values guide everything we do. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that celebrates diversity and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with a disability
We’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with respect and free from discrimination or harassment. When you join us, you become part of a team that values your contribution and works together to make a positive impact on our community.