Join Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) and make a difference!

What we offer:

• Based in Cairns
• Full time fixed term (2 years)
• 6 weeks annual leave
• Additional public holidays gazetted by TSIRC
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Uniforms

About us:

Torres Strait Regional Council (TSIRC) is the largest employer in the Torres Strait serving 15 ‘outer' island communities with unique characteristics and service requirements. Beyond traditional local government services, we are deeply invested in the social, environmental, and economic development of our region. We are values driven and work as One with respect for Ailan Kastom.

About the role

We're looking for a detail driven and proactive Payroll Coordinator to take ownership of our end-to-end payroll function and ensure our people are paid accurately, on time, every time.

In this pivotal role, you won't just process payroll you'll be the go to expert, providing trusted advice, strengthening systems and controls, and helping us continuously improve how we deliver payroll services across Council.

What you'll be doing

You'll lead and coordinate all aspects of payroll, including:

• Managing the full payroll lifecycle with precision and efficiency.
• Ensuring compliance with legislation, awards, and Council policies.
• Overseeing payroll reconciliations, reporting, and audit support.
• Providing specialist payroll advice to stakeholders across the organisation.
• Strengthening internal controls and supporting financial compliance obligations.
• Identifying opportunities to streamline processes and improve systems.

Who you'll work with

This role sits at the heart of the organisation, partnering closely with:

• People & Wellbeing
• Finance
• Operational teams across Council

Together, you'll ensure payroll services are seamless, compliant, and aligned with organisational needs.

What we're looking for:

We need someone who shares our values of One, Respect, Accountability, Courage, and Resilience. Ideally, you will have:

• Proven experience (minimum 3 years) in a similar role, including leading or coordinating a payroll team within a large, multi-disciplinary organisation.
• Solid knowledge of payroll legislation and frameworks, including the Local Government Awards, Industrial Relations Act 2016, and employee entitlement obligations or the ability to quickly build this expertise.
• Hands-on experience with complex payroll systems, such as TechnologyOne or other Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective teams, communicate clearly, and manage competing priorities.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Experience working in a regulated environment, such as Local Government, the public sector, or a similarly complex organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply Enterprise Agreements, Awards, and employment related legislation.
• Exposure to payroll system projects, including upgrades, testing, or implementations.

Other Requirement

• The preferred applicant will require a National Police Certificate upon commencement.

Applying:

To download the PD, and to apply for this job go to: https://torstrarc.recruitmenthub.com.au/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6889067.

Candidates will need to download the Position Description and submit a cover letter and an updated resume addressing the core capabilities by 15 May 2026.

Note: Suitable applicants maybe interviewed and appointed before the closing date.

For more information:

Contact Sarah Kiene on 07 4034 5757 or email sarah.kiene@tsirc.qld.gov.au

TSIRC is an equal opportunity employer, celebrating diversity and committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees