Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Qualification Level
Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
A Payroll Officer runs the pay cycle for an organisation. They make sure wages, tax, and super are processed right and on time. This role blends finance skills with a solid grasp of employment law.
Key tasks include keeping employee records, reading industrial awards, and working out PAYG withholding. Officers must meet Fair Work Act 2009 rules. They also manage super payments, report to the ATO via Single Touch Payroll (STP), and check year-end payroll totals.
The role involves close work with HR and finance teams. Senior officers often move into payroll management or people-and-culture roles. Payroll Officers are found in private firms, government agencies, and large companies.
About 91% of Payroll Officers are women (PayScale, 2026). Salaries average around $69,000 a year. Skilled officers earn up to $80,000. Around 1,500 new positions open each year (based on recent Australian data).
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.
