Payroll Specialist (Processing)

About the Role

McDonald’s Australia is the country’s biggest quick-service restaurant operator and has been a familiar part of Australian life for more than 50 years. Known as Macca’s, the business places customers at the centre of everything it does and aims to make every interaction count. It is also a repeated employer-of-choice winner, offering a workplace focused on pride, enjoyment, growth, and career development in a supportive and fast-moving environment.

The company is hiring Payroll Specialists (Processing) to join its Finance team in either permanent or fixed-term roles. This position is centered on accurate end-to-end payroll delivery, compliance, and responsive support for employees and stakeholders.

What You’ll Do

• Manage payroll processing across weekly and semi-monthly pay cycles from start to finish.
• Make sure payroll entries are accurate, compliant, and completed within required deadlines.
• Keep employee payroll information current while maintaining confidentiality and data integrity.
• Handle payroll questions from employees and internal stakeholders in a professional, timely way.
• Support reconciliations, reporting tasks, and audit-related requests.
• Assist with statutory payroll obligations such as payroll tax, superannuation, and PAYG.
• Spot mismatches or errors, escalate them appropriately, and help drive resolution.
• Contribute ideas and actions that improve payroll controls and overall process efficiency.

What They’re Looking For

• Excellent accuracy and a strong eye for detail.
• A service-oriented mindset with clear communication skills.
• The ability to juggle multiple priorities and work to deadlines.
• A proactive, team-oriented approach to day-to-day work.
• Working knowledge of Excel and Outlook.
• Interest in payroll, HR, or finance, plus a willingness to learn.
• Sound judgment when dealing with confidential information.

Rewards and Benefits

• Competitive pay package with base salary plus a target incentive bonus plan.
• Five weeks of annual leave each year.
• Hybrid working model that combines remote work with office collaboration.
• Paid parental leave top-up support for growing families.
• Birthday month leave plus three volunteer days each year for a registered charity.
• Professional development support, including leadership programs and free access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Newly updated Thornleigh office with modern technology and electric car chargers.
• Staff discounts at Macca’s restaurants across Australia, along with retail discounts.
• 24/7 wellbeing support through Sonder for employees and immediate family members.
• A lively culture with internal events and experiences.

Inclusion and Additional Information

McDonald’s says everyone is welcome and follows a rule of treating people with dignity, fairness, and respect. The workplace is intended to be safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all. Applications are encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Candidates with a disability, illness, or injury who need adjustments during recruitment are invited to get in touch.

The company also encourages applicants to apply even if they do not meet every requirement listed. This position is with McDonald’s, not with Hatch.

Work Setup

This is a full-time opportunity with a hybrid working arrangement based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.