A Payroll Clerk manages all steps in processing staff wages and keeps records for legal compliance. The role connects finance and HR in most businesses.
Key duties include working out pay and deductions, submitting Single Touch Payroll (STP) to the ATO, and checking super contributions. Payroll Clerks also work with HR teams to keep staff records current.
Accuracy and knowledge of the Fair Work Act and pay award rates are a must in this role. Most employers use MYOB, Xero, or similar tools, so tech skills are needed.
The median weekly pay for Payroll Clerks is $1,548, or around $80,000 per year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). With 51,200 in the role and steady demand, this is a solid base for a finance career.
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.