Payroll Coordinator

Join Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) and make a difference!

What we offer:

• Based in Cairns
• Full time fixed term (2 years)
• 6 weeks annual leave
• Annual Christmas shutdown
• Additional public holidays gazetted by TSIRC
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Uniforms

About us:

Torres Strait Regional Council (TSIRC) is the largest employer in the Torres Strait serving 15 ‘outer' island communities with unique characteristics and service requirements. Beyond traditional local government services, we are deeply invested in the social, environmental, and economic development of our region. We are values driven and work as One with respect for Ailan Kastom.

About the role

Torres Strait Island Regional Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Payroll Coordinator to lead our payroll function and ensure our employees are paid accurately, on time and in compliance with legislative requirements.

Reporting within the Finance team, you will oversee Council's end-to-end payroll operations, provide specialist payroll advice, maintain strong internal controls and drive continuous improvement across payroll systems and processes. This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional who enjoys leading a team, solving complex payroll matters and delivering exceptional customer service.

What you'll be doing

• Coordinate Council's end-to-end payroll function, including fortnightly and ad hoc payroll processing.
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, awards, taxation, superannuation and Single Touch Payroll (STP) requirements.
• Lead payroll reconciliations, reporting, audits and month-end/year-end activities.
• Provide expert payroll advice to employees, managers and key stakeholders.
• Identify and implement payroll process and system improvements.
• Supervise and develop the payroll team while fostering a collaborative, customer focused culture.

This role sits at the heart of the organisation, partnering closely with:

• People & Wellbeing
• Finance
• Operational teams across Council

Together, you'll ensure payroll services are seamless, compliant, and aligned with organisational needs.

What we're looking for:

We need someone who shares our values of One, Respect, Accountability, Courage, and Resilience. Ideally, you will have:

• Proven experience (minimum 3 years) in a similar role, including leading or coordinating a payroll team within a large, multi-disciplinary organisation.
• Solid knowledge of payroll legislation and frameworks, including the Local Government Awards, Industrial Relations Act 2016, and employee entitlement obligations or the ability to quickly build this expertise.
• Hands-on experience with complex payroll systems, such as TechnologyOne or other Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective teams, communicate clearly, and manage competing priorities.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Experience working in a regulated environment, such as Local Government, the public sector, or a similarly complex organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply Enterprise Agreements, Awards, and employment related legislation.
• Exposure to payroll system projects, including upgrades, testing, or implementations.

Other Requirement

• The preferred applicant will require a National Police Certificate upon commencement.

How to apply

To download the PD, and to apply for this job go to: https://torstrarc.recruitmenthub.com.au/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6919115.

Please submitt:

• A cover letter addressing the capabilities, skills and experience outlined in the Position Description.
• An up-to-date resume

Applications close: 14 August 2026

Note: Suitable applicants maybe interviewed and appointed before the closing date.

For more information: Contact Jenny Trinh on 07 4034 5*** or email ***********@tsirc.qld.gov.au

TSIRC is an equal opportunity employer, celebrating diversity and committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees