Payroll & Finance Officer

About University of Queensland Union (UQU)

University of Queensland Union (UQU) is Australia's oldest, largest, and most representative university union. We are led by students, not-for-profit, and have been independent since day one. We're not your typical employer, and we don't want to be.

We're a team of organisers, creatives, advocates, and community-builders. We are students backing students, choosing representation over hierarchy, and real impact over red tape.

We take our work seriously and thousands of students rely on us every day.

UQU supports 220 clubs and societies, our food and retail outlets, runs campus-defining events, and embed free food initiatives like Kampus Kitchen and Morning Marmalade to make sure no student goes without.

Since 1932, we've also published a free student newspaper, Semper Floreat, which has given generations of UQ students an opportunity to voice — that's nearly a century of independence we're proud to carry forward.

Right now, you'll see UQU has a lot on our plate – we're working hard to build and grow, and are actively investing in the ways we work, lead, and support our people. We're focussed on getting our foundations right — a culture that makes a real difference.

We're currently going through an organisational review and a period of change, and as part of this we have a number of roles to fill, meaning there's genuine opportunity to grow with us and shape how the organisation works.

When you join UQU, you won't just witness the uplift, you'll help drive it. Here, you'll have a genuine opportunity to use and build your skills, and leave your mark,  there's no other workplace quite like it.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Payroll & Finance Officer to join our Finance team at the University of Queensland Union (UQU).

Reporting to the Finance Manager, you'll take ownership of UQU's weekly payroll, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining the integrity of payroll records and systems. You'll work closely with our People & Culture team to ensure payroll and HR data remains aligned and compliant, while also identifying opportunities to improve payroll processes and system efficiencies.

In addition to payroll, you'll provide support across the Finance team, particularly within Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable, making this a varied role with plenty of opportunity to broaden your skills.

About the Role

As our Payroll & Finance Officer, you will:

• Process UQU's weekly payroll, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time
• Interpret and apply the UQU Enterprise Agreement, including pay rates, allowances, overtime, leave and other employee entitlements
• Maintain accurate payroll records, employee classifications, taxation details and employment information
• Manage payroll compliance requirements, including Single Touch Payroll (STP), payroll journals, reporting and legislative obligations
• Respond to payroll enquiries from employees, managers and external agencies in a timely and professional manner
• Support managers with rostering processes and payroll-related system administration
• Maintain records of employee visa status and work restrictions, and monitor work hours to ensure compliance with visa conditions
• Support the administration of WorkCover claims by providing payroll-related information and ensuring all WorkCover instructions are accurately implemented within the payroll system
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures while identifying opportunities to improve payroll systems, processes and efficiencies
• Provide support across Finance, including Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions, as required

About You

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• A Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related discipline and/or equivalent payroll experience, with at least 4 years' subsequent relevant experience
• Previous payroll experience with a sound understanding of payroll processes and legislative requirements
• Experience using Employment Hero, KeyPay or ELMO (highly regarded)
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills
• The ability to manage competing priorities while meeting strict payroll deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships across all levels of the organisation
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly in Excel
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement
• Experience working within a not-for-profit or tertiary education environment will be highly regarded

Why work for UQU?

At UQU, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that have a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of students. We're a values-driven organisation that's genuinely committed to improving how we work, and we're looking for people who want to join us on that journey — wherever we're currently at. You'll have real opportunities to build your skills, help shape better ways of working, and make a tangible difference.

What's in it for you?

• A real opportunity to help build a positive culture and make a genuine impact
• A vibrant, close-knit campus community based at our stunning St Lucia campus
• No weekend work required, Monday to Friday roster
• Opportunity for hybrid working
• A generous 15% superannuation
• Campus-wide F&B discounts at UQU owned outlets

Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.