The Organisation Meerilinga is an iconic not-for-profit organisation and registered charity based in Perth, Western Australia that promotes positive childhoods through direct programs and services for children, parents, families, communities and students. It is both and Early Childhood Education and Care provider and Registered Training Organisation. Meerilinga strongly believes in the power of community based early childhood education, balancing teaching and learning through a play-based approach that encourages children to be curious – to ask questions, to explore, and to find joy in the world around them. As a registered charity, Meerilinga also partners with the WA Government, corporate and community sectors to support parents and families. About the Role This is a part time role, equivalent to 0.6FTE. With approx. 70 employees, this is a role that someone can make their own in flexible, part time hours. This could be 3 full days or 4/5 shorter days. The Payroll Officer supports the Executive Manager Finance (EMF) and is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and ensuring full compliance with all relevant legislation, Awards, and regulatory requirements. The role also supports onboarding and offboarding processes following HR approval, maintains payroll and HR systems, and acts as the first point of contact for payroll-related enquiries. Tasks include the following: Payroll Processing · End-to-end processing of payroll on a fortnightly basis. · Ensure accuracy of employee pay including ordinary hours, overtime, allowances, and leave entitlements. · Maintain payroll records in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements. · Act as the first point of contact for staff payroll enquiries, providing timely and accurate advice. · Ensure all payroll transactions are processed in a timely and confidential manner. Payroll Systems & Data Management · Maintain and manage the payroll and HR information systems, ensuring data integrity and system accuracy. · Ensure all changes to employee payroll details (including onboarding, variations, and offboarding) are accurately recorded and appropriately documented within the employee database system. · Regularly review system data to ensure consistency between payroll, HR, and finance systems. · Assist with system upgrades, testing, and process improvements where required. Payroll Compliance & Legislative Requirements · Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including Fair Work requirements and ATO obligations. · Process and reconcile superannuation contributions in line with Superannuation Guarantee requirements. · Manage payroll tax, Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting, and other statutory reporting obligations. · Ensure compliance with not-for-profit regulatory requirements where applicable. Awards & Pay Rate Audits · Conduct regular audits of employee pay rates and classifications against applicable Awards, including: o SCHADS Award o Children’s Services Award o Educational Services (Teachers) Award · Identify and rectify discrepancies in pay rates, classifications, or entitlements. · Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Award changes and ensure payroll systems are updated accordingly. Employee Onboarding & Offboarding (Post-HR Approval) · Set up new employees in payroll systems based on approved HR documentation. · Ensure correct classification, pay rates, and entitlements are applied. · Process terminations, including final pays, leave payouts, and required documentation. · Ensure all onboarding and offboarding changes are fully documented and stored within the employee database system. · Ensure compliance with notice periods, redundancy requirements, and final pay obligations. Leave Management · Monitor and process all leave types including annual leave, personal leave, and long service leave. · Ensure correct calculation and payment of: o Annual leave loading o Long service leave entitlements in line with Western Australian legislation · Maintain accurate leave balances and ensure compliance with organisational policies. Salary Sacrifice & Benefits Administration · Process and manage salary sacrifice arrangements in accordance with ATO requirements. · Ensure accurate recording and reporting of fringe benefits and other packaged items. · Maintain compliance with all reporting obligations related to salary packaging. Worker Retention Payments · Administer and monitor worker retention payments applicable to the childcare sector. · Ensure eligibility criteria are met and payments are processed accurately. · Maintain records and reporting to demonstrate compliance with funding or regulatory requirements. Reconciliations & Reporting · Perform regular payroll reconciliations including: o Payroll to general ledger o Superannuation payable o Leave provisions · Assist with month-end and year-end payroll reporting. · Support audit processes by providing payroll data and documentation as required. Continuous Improvement & Systems · Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and efficiency. · Ensure payroll systems are maintained and updated in line with legislative changes. Year End (YE) Processes Prepare and complete all payroll reconciliations in preparation for the annual financial audit. Liaise with the auditors, including answering their enquiries, and support the EMF in the management of the audit process. General · Participate in organisation wide activities including team meetings and events. · Actively engage in professional development opportunities and be willing to learn new technical skills and programs relevant to the role. · Maintain and promote effective working relationships with all staff, volunteers, families, children, and the wider Meerilinga community. · Promote the core values of Meerilinga and maintain a professional and high standard of service as a representative of Meerilinga. · Participate in performance appraisals as required. · Comply with Meerilinga’s policies and processes. · Travel to Meerilinga locations and occasionally work out of regular office hours. About you Employees at this level, in this position will be required to supervise various functions within a work area or activities of a complex nature, requiring the application of a high level of knowledge and skills to achieve results in line with the organisation’s goals. Experience & Specialisation Demonstrated experience in payroll processing, preferably within the childcare or not-for-profit sector. · Strong knowledge of Australian payroll legislation and compliance requirements. · Proven experience interpreting and applying Awards, particularly SCHADS, Children’s Services, and Teachers Awards. · Experience with salary sacrifice arrangements and ATO reporting obligations. · Understanding of Western Australian long service leave requirements. · Experience maintaining payroll and HR systems with a strong focus on data integrity. · High attention to detail and accuracy. · Strong organisational and time management skills. · Ability to handle confidential information with integrity. Desirable · Experience with payroll systems such as Xero, Employment Hero, or similar. · Experience working in a not-for-profit or early childhood education environment. · Knowledge of worker retention payment schemes in the childcare sector. Skills · Analytical and detail-oriented · Strong problem-solving skills · Effective communicator with strong customer service focus · Ability to work independently and meet deadlines The benefits · Competitive salary · A friendly supportive working environment · Opportunity to negotiate flexible working arrangements. · Salary Sacrifice Applications close on 7th June 2026. Applicants may be contacted prior to this close date to arrange an interview. Further documents are required and will be discussed with the successful candidate. Interviews will begin immediately. Due to the high volume of applicants, only short-listed individuals will be contacted. Visit the website for more information about Meerilinga at www.meerilinga.org.au Meerilinga acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Wadjuk, Noongar Boodja, where Meerilinga’s main offices are located, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water, and community. We are an EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) employer, where all applicants are treated with fairness and respect and have equal access to the opportunities available.
