Director - Payroll Data Analytics

The opportunity

As a director you’ll bring your deep expertise in payroll data analytics to lead the technical review of payroll remediation projects to support our various clients in Global Mobility.

This role can be performed from any of our EY offices across Australia. Our roles can potentially be adjusted to work flexibly with reduced hours. Please speak with us about potential options.

Your key responsibilities

• Lead Wage Compliance Initiatives: Oversee complex payroll remediation projects to ensure all wage payments and entitlements are correct and legally compliant. This includes directing reviews of Awards/EBAs, leave accrual corrections, employee progression adjustments, superannuation guarantee remediation, and resolving enforceable undertakings.
• Drive Advanced Data Analytics & FBT Modelling: Develop and implement sophisticated data models for Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and other payroll analytics. Use cutting-edge analytical approaches to accurately calculate tax liabilities and uncover insights, ensuring the organisation’s tax obligations are met efficiently.
• Engage with Regulators: Work closely with the team to support interaction with key regulatory bodies such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Fair Work Ombudsman. Ensure compliance through proactive communication, timely reporting, and by addressing any regulatory issues in collaboration with these authorities.
• Executive Stakeholder Collaboration: Liaise with executive-level clients and internal leaders, including C-suite executives and Heads of Payroll. Provide clear, data-driven insights and recommendations to help them understand complex payroll challenges and inform strategic decisions.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead and mentor the data analytics team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning. Provide guidance and support to managers and analysts, helping them develop their technical skills (including advanced analytics and AI tool usage) and ensuring the team consistently delivers high-quality results.

Skills and attributes for success

• Extensive Analytics Experience: 9+ years of experience in payroll data analytics or related fields, with a proven track record of leading large-scale, data-intensive projects. Experience in a Big Four accounting firm or an equivalent professional services organisation is highly regarded.
• Leadership & Strategic Insight: Demonstrated leadership in managing teams and complex engagements. Able to think strategically about data and compliance, anticipate challenges, and guide projects to successful completion. Experience coaching others and building high-performing teams.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in data analytics tools and programming. Hands-on experience with Alteryx, SQL, R, and RPA is essential, as well as proficiency in data visualisation tools (e.g. Tableau or Power BI) to communicate findings. Comfortable working with large datasets and automating workflows for efficiency and accuracy.
• AI and Copilot Fluency: Demonstrated ability to leverage AI-powered tools such as Microsoft Copilot and other generative AI platforms to enhance productivity, streamline data analysis, and support decision-making. A forward-thinking mindset with a strong interest in emerging technologies and their application in analytics and compliance.
• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to liaise with executive stakeholders and clients, translating complex data insights into clear, actionable advice. Confident in presenting to senior leadership and in engaging with regulatory officials on technical matters.
• Compliance Knowledge: In-depth understanding of Australian industrial instruments and tax legislation. Familiarity with award interpretations, EBAs, FBT rules, and superannuation requirements. A keen eye for detail to ensure compliance and identify discrepancies in payroll data.

What we offer you

At EY, we’ll fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. Learn more.

• Career development: At EY, your career is yours to shape! We’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences ey.com/au/careerdevelopment
• Flexible work arrangements: Our flexible work policies empower you to balance your professional and personal life, fostering a culture of trust and autonomy.
• A comprehensive benefits package: From a yearly wellness incentive, to access to additional 8 weeks of flex leave per year, and family-friendly policies, including 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave, we cater to your diverse needs to help you thrive both personally and professionally www.ey.com/au/benefits
• Salary: We offer a competitive salary which is open to negotiation pending on skills and experience.

Acknowledgement of Country

EY acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which EY offices are located around Australia. We pay our respects to their cultures, and to their Elders — past, present, and emerging. Find out more about our vision for reconciliation at ey.com/en_au/careers/indigenous

Diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (DE&I) are core to who we are, how we work and how we live our values. We encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities and are committed to providing an equitable and barrier free recruitment experience for all. We encourage you to share any support and adjustments you need to be your best and participate equitably in our recruitment process. We understand sharing your needs with us can be daunting, so if you have questions before or during your application, we welcome you to get in touch at contactrecruitment@au.ey.com or +61 3 8650 7788 (option 2). Anything you tell us will be kept completely confidential.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

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