Payroll and Benefits Officer

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why. 
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them. 

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence. 

About the Opportunity 

The Payroll and Benefits Officer is a key contributor to the delivery of accurate, compliant, and customer-focused payroll services within a large and complex higher education environment. This role is responsible for the efficient administration and processing of a broad range of payroll and employment-related activities, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while meeting all legislative, taxation, and University compliance requirements.

As a valued member of a high-performing Payroll team, the Payroll and Benefits Officer provides specialist advice and support to employees, managers, and other stakeholders across all stages of the employee lifecycle. The role supports effective payroll governance, risk management, data integrity, and continuous improvement initiatives, contributing to operational excellence and a positive employee experience.

Success in this position requires extensive payroll expertise, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service within a complex industrial relations and regulatory framework.

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver accurate and timely payroll services across the employee lifecycle, including employee changes, leave, superannuation, salary packaging and terminations.
• Maintain payroll and HR records, ensuring data accuracy, compliance and integrity.
• Provide responsive payroll advice and support to employees, managers and stakeholders.
• Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies, compliance issues and system-related queries.
• Support payroll reconciliations, audits, system improvements and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build strong working relationships across HR, Finance and the broader University community.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture while maintaining current knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance requirements and best practice.

About you 

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business, Human Resources, Payroll Administration or a related discipline, and/or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education.

• Demonstrated experience in payroll administration within a large and complex organisation and experience interpreting industrial instruments, employment legislation and payroll-related taxation and superannuation requirements.

Candidates must have full unrestricted Australian work rights and will be subject to a National criminal history check.  

What we can offer 

This is full-time opportunity based at Brisbane South (Nathan).  As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.  

HEW 5 Salary – Base range - $82,415.65 - $92,456.55 + 17% super. Full package range - $96,426 - $108,147.

Why join Griffith? 
 
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer: 

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities 

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment 

• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts 

• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading 

• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme 

• Opportunities for internal mobility 

• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities 

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy. 

How to apply 

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following: 

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role please refer to the qualifications above and the position description. 

• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details 

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner on

Closing Date: Wednesday 30th September at 11:59pm. All applications must be submitted online.