Kao is built on a strong heritage of innovation and a cultural philosophy to always walk the right path. With over 130 years of experience, we’ve become a global leader in the FMCG industry, committed to providing care and enrichment to both people and the planet. Behind iconic brands like Bondi Sands, Bioré, John Frieda, Bio-Oil, Curel, Biozet Attack, Goldwell, and KMS, we’re making everyday routines feel extraordinary.
An exciting opportunity now exists for our passionate Payroll Specialist to join our AUNZ team.
What is the role?
Play an integral role in owning and delivering end to end payroll across Australia and New Zealand. As our go to payroll expert, you will lead the full payroll lifecycle, from processing through to compliance, reporting, and continuous improvement.
This is a hands on role suited to a true payroll gun who thrives on system management, enjoys solving problems, and is passionate about delivering a seamless employee experience. You’ll partner closely with Finance, HR, and external providers, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all payroll processes.
Key responsibilities:
- Own end to end payroll processing across ANZ (fortnightly) via ADP (AU) and Polyglot (NZ), including commissions and bonus processes
- Manage all payroll related statutory obligations including Payroll Tax, Superannuation, Workers Compensation, salary packaging (novated leases), and FBT requirements
- Liaise with third-party providers (ADP & Polyglot) to ensure compliance, system updates, and testing are effectively managed
- Collaborate with HR and global Workday specialists to test and maintain system integrations between Workday and payroll systems
- Provide payroll data, reporting, and insights to Finance and HR, supporting reconciliations, general ledger alignment, and audit requirements (internal and external)
- Act as the first point of contact for payroll queries, supporting employees and managers with a responsive and solutions-focused approach
- Identify and drive process improvements to enhance payroll efficiency, accuracy, and user experience
- Support payroll-related projects and continuous improvement initiatives as required
So, who are you?
You are a detail driven Payroll Specialist who takes pride in owning your space and delivering accurate, compliant payroll outcomes. You are systems savvy, proactive, and known for your ability to simplify complexity and solve problems with confidence with strong Excel capability including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables to support data accuracy and reporting.
With at least 5 years experience in payroll and demonstrated ability to manage end to end payroll, you bring a strong understanding of payroll legislation and compliance requirements. You are comfortable working with payroll systems such as ADP with exposure to Workday is highly regarded.
You are highly collaborative and committed to delivering a positive employee experience. You enjoy building relationships across the business and are always looking for ways to improve processes and drive efficiencies.
Most of all, you bring ownership, curiosity, and a continuous improvement mindset..
Our offer to you
Based in our primary office in East Malvern, you will join a collaborative, and dedicated hybrid team. You will be rewarded with a competitive salary package, great learning & development programs, health & wellbeing initiatives & leave benefits (including 16 weeks parental leave for the primary carer!), discounted products, a glowing culture & team, and the rare opportunity to contribute your expertise to market leading brands!
Do you have what it takes? Apply now!
Kao Corporation is committed to creating a diverse workplace that provides an equal opportunity for all. We value talent of diverse backgrounds and experiences at Kao and encourage all to apply to become a part of our global journey.
Skills Required
- At least 5 years payroll experience managing end-to-end payroll
- Strong understanding of payroll legislation and compliance (ANZ Payroll Tax, Superannuation, Workers Compensation, salary packaging, FBT)
- Experience using ADP for payroll processing
- Experience with Polyglot (NZ payroll) or similar NZ payroll systems
- Exposure to Workday and experience testing/maintaining integrations between Workday and payroll systems
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables for data accuracy and reporting
- Experience processing commissions and bonus payroll elements
- Experience liaising with third-party payroll providers and supporting audits/reconciliations
- Strong problem-solving, stakeholder collaboration, and employee-facing payroll support skills
What We Do
Ever since the company's founding in 1887, Kao has strived to deliver value to the life of people everywhere in the world. Today, we are a leading manufacturer in the fields of hygiene, beauty and health, while our chemical business contributes to the development of diverse industries. With more than 33,000 employees, our mission is to enrich the lives of people globally and contribute to the sustainability of the world. In the regions of Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), we focus on our Beauty Care business with premium brands in three business sectors: Consumer, Salon and Cosmetics. Our Business Sector represents skin and hair care brands that are recognized worldwide for their innovation and quality, such as Jergens, Curél, Bioré, Guhl, and John Frieda. Our Salon Business Sector is committed to unleashing the creativity of stylists around the globe. With our industry leading brands Goldwell, KMS and Oribe, stylists have everything in their hands to create beautiful show-stopping hair representative of the individuality of their clients. Our London-based boutique brand, Molton Brown, offers luxury beauty products found only in our exclusive Molton Brown stores, high-end department stores and travel retail, as well as five-star hotels around the world. All three business sectors are driven by the same values and beliefs: Creating high-quality products and constantly striving for the best is what is at the heart of everything we do. This is why we understand that our people are one of our core assets, and we strive for a working environment that allows team members to flourish and grow. Join us, and you will have opportunity to help us make life beautiful
