Senior Payroll Specialist

About EVT: At EVT we believe in changing the game. Why? Because no one wants ordinary. If you're seeking to be part of the kind of wow-factor moments you can help shape, then you've come to the right place.

As market-leading experience creators, we bring to life some of the best-known brands and properties in entertainment, ventures, and travel. Our portfolio includes over 140 entertainment experiences like Event Cinemas and Moonlight Cinemas, 150 award-winning restaurants and bars, and 80+ hotels, including QT, Rydges, Atura, LyLo, and Thredbo. Our ventures include a ~$2.3B property portfolio and hotel management, just to name a few.

Position Overview:

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing the end-to-end payroll process for Australia, New Zealand weekly employees and all corporate entities across the EVT Group. This role ensures payroll is delivered accurately, on time, and in full compliance with Australia, New Zealand legislation and corporate requirements.

The position is a subject matter expert in payroll legislation and systems (Dayforce), providing technical expertise, reviewing payroll outputs, mentoring team members, and working closely with HRIS, Recruitment, and Finance to maintain data accuracy and integrity. The role is also key in supporting internal and external audits, ensuring full compliance and audit readiness.

Our Vision is being leaders in creating experiences and properties that escape the ordinary.

Our Purpose is to make the day better for ourselves, each other, our group, our customers and communities. We do this by living our values of empowerment, possibilities and community. We achieve our Vision and Purpose by delivering on our goals and values.

Our Goals

Growing revenue above market

Maximise assets

Business transformation

Our Values

Empowerment: We make it happen

Possibilities: We evolve and innovate

Community: We make the connection

Key Accountabilities

Manage the end-to-end Australia, New Zealand and corporate payroll processes, including inputs, validations, approvals, and reconciliations.

Perform first and second level payroll review and sign-off, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and company policies.

Interpret and apply New Zealand payroll legislation (e.g., Holidays Act, KiwiSaver, PAYE, ACC) to pay outcomes, including complex entitlements and terminations.

Manage payroll lifecycle actions such as cross-boarding, internal transfers, and rehires via the recruitment portal.

Partner with Finance to ensure payroll costs are correctly allocated to the general ledger and reconciled to supporting schedules.

Respond to and resolve complex payroll queries, providing accurate and timely information to employees, managers, auditors, and regulators.

Mentor Payroll Officers, supporting their technical development and ensuring consistency across daily processing tasks.

Lead and document process improvements, driving automation and efficiency in payroll processes.

Ensure timely and accurate processing of third-party deductions (e.g., KiwiSaver, child support, union fees, salary sacrifice).

Maintain strict compliance with cyber security and data protection protocols, safeguarding sensitive employee data.

Support internal and external audit processes by maintaining accurate records and ensuring full transparency of payroll activities.

Maintain, improve, and champion payroll procedures, helping shape the function for the future

Skills & Experience

These are the desired skills and experience for this role:

4–6 years of experience in end-to-end Australian payroll

Strong knowledge of Australian payroll legislation, including Fair Work, PAYG, STP, and superannuation compliance

Advanced experience in payroll systems (Dayforce preferred)

Competency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, reconciliations)

Experience with employee lifecycle management in HRIS or recruitment systems

Confidence in interpreting awards, EAs, and policy changes

Proven ability to deliver payroll accurately and independently under tight deadlines

Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills

Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

Exposure to payroll integration or process transformation projects is highly regarded

Behavioural Capabilities

Ownership & Accountability

Takes full responsibility for the quality and timeliness of payroll outcomes

Confidently owns the process and proactively addresses risks or issues

Leadership Without Title

Supports and uplifts others in the team through guidance and strong role modelling

Drives a culture of accuracy, integrity, and improvement

Agility & Resilience

Adjusts quickly to new systems, changing priorities, or urgent payroll demands

Maintains focus and quality during high-pressure periods

Detail-Focused & Compliance-Driven

Meticulously checks work and ensures compliance with all legal and policy requirements

Understands the importance of data integrity and audit readiness

Collaborative & Credible

Builds trust with HR, Finance, and operational stakeholders through clear, professional communication

Balances technical accuracy with a people-first approach

Improvement-Oriented

Always looking for better ways to do things — and acts on them

Documents new processes and shares improvements with the wider team

Cyber-Safe & Data Responsible

Handles all data securely, reports threats, and uses systems in accordance with IT security policy

Understands their role in protecting employee privacy

Perks from Day One

As part of EVT, you unlock Elevate Perks from your first day. Parity for all levels - no ivory towers.

50% off dining and stays across EVT hotels – QT, Rydges, Atura, LyLo and more.

$2 movie tickets + discounts on Gold Class, Moonlight Cinema and Candy Bar.

Seasonal perks at Thredbo.

Rapid career growth across our hotel & entertainment network.

Paid parental leave; community & volunteering opportunities.

Join the EVT Head Office and become an EVT experience creator, opportunity taker, the ultimate Daymaker.

Join and make a positive impact on our people, communities, and environment every day.

Send your CV and a short cover letter. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and review applications as they come in - don’t wait! We can’t wait to see the places your career will go with EVT.

When you click apply, you’ll be taken to our secure EVT careers portal (powered by Dayforce). This is our official system for managing applications across the EVT Group. You’ll simply enter your details and answer a few quick screening questions so we can get to know you better.