Assistant Manager, Payroll Advisory

Division: Advisory 

Department: Deals & Performance 

Employment Type: Full Time Permanent 

Application Closing Date: 31 March 2026

About Us

McGrathNicol is a specialist Advisory and Restructuring firm, helping businesses improve performance, manage risk, and achieve stability and growth. Guided by our values of Understanding, Commitment, and Impact, we are high-performing, client-focused, and proud of our collegiate culture. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to attracting and retaining exceptional talent.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced payroll professional to join our Deals and Performance team, specialising in Payroll Advisory. This role will support and deliver payroll advisory services across a range of industries, working closely with clients and internal stakeholders.

You will contribute to the review and optimisation of payroll operating models, support payroll system transformations, and assist with wage underpayment and compliance engagements, collaborating closely with the broader Deals and Performance and Data Analytics team.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of Payroll Advisory engagements across a range of industries.
• Provide subject matter expertise on payroll compliance, interpretation of industrial instruments, and payroll best practice.
• Review and assess payroll operating models, processes and controls, identifying opportunities for improvement and risk mitigation.
• Support payroll system implementations and transformations, including project management activities and testing.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare clear, accurate and high‑quality client deliverables, including reports and presentations.
• Work collaboratively within project teams to deliver practical, high‑quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.

About You

• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven stakeholder management capability, with a client‑focused approach.
• High attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Well organised, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive team player who thrives in a collaborative, professional services environment.
• Committed to continuous learning and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications and Experiences

• 3-5 years’ experience, with technical and operational payroll exposure.
• Experience in a professional services or advisory environment (highly desirable).
• Experience supporting payroll compliance, remediation or system change projects (desirable).
• Payroll specific qualifications or certifications (e.g. Australian Payroll Association) advantageous.
• Exposure to Time and Attendance and payroll systems (desirable).