Payroll Lead

Smart Apprenticeship Solutions is a quality Group Training Organisation and part of The BUSY Group, one of Australia’s largest providers in employment, education and training. We deliver innovative employment and training solutions across eastern Australia, helping organisations and apprentices thrive.

Make an impact. Lead with purpose. Grow your career.

If you’re a payroll professional who thrives on accuracy, loves improving processes, and enjoys supporting apprentices and trainees across Australia, this is your chance to step into a role with real purpose. As our GTO Payroll Lead, you’ll guide a small, dedicated team, streamline payroll operations, and ensure every apprentice and trainee is paid correctly, compliantly, and on time — every time.

The role involves:

• Leading day‑to‑day payroll operations for GTO employees across multiple states.
• Coaching and supporting payroll officers to deliver timely, accurate outcomes.
• Interpreting awards, EBAs, and legislation with confidence and precision.
• Managing payroll queries, escalations, and complex cases with professionalism.
• Ensuring compliance with Fair Work, taxation, superannuation, and audit requirements.
• Partnering with HR, Finance, and Field Officers to maintain seamless payroll processes.
• Contributing to system upgrades, process improvements, and reporting enhancements

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Lead with confidence — oversee payroll processing for a large national GTO workforce.
• Shape better systems — drive improvements, strengthen compliance, and refine workflows.
• Support people who matter — ensure apprentices and trainees receive accurate pay that supports their journey.
• Grow your career — join an organisation that invests in professional development and internal progression.
• Be part of a positive, values‑driven team — collaborative, supportive, and committed to making a difference.
• Supportive leadership and a collaborative payroll team.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Meaningful work that directly supports apprentices and trainees across Australia.
• A values‑driven organisation committed to quality, compliance, and community impact.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong experience in payroll processing, ideally within a GTO, labour‑hire, or high‑volume environment.
• Solid understanding of awards, EBAs, and payroll legislation.
• Confidence leading or mentoring others — formal leadership experience is a bonus.
• High attention to detail and a passion for getting things right.
• Excellent communication skills and a calm, solutions‑focused approach.
• Ability to work to deadlines while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

Ready to lead with purpose?

If you’re a payroll expert who loves improving systems, supporting people, and delivering high‑quality outcomes, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape the future of apprentice and trainee payroll.

Candidate care is important to us, this role will actively commence recruitment from the date of advertisement. The closing date of this ad is dependent on the appointment of the role.

SMART Apprenticeship Solutions and SQUAD puts the best interest of children and young people first by adhering to the Child Safety Organisation National Principles.  The appointment of successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory employment screening including, criminal history and relevant working with children checks.

We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from First Nations People, veterans, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities.