Financial Operations Specialist - Payroll - 12 month parental leave cover

Job Description:

Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We’re behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, ECLIPSE®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, DOLMIO®, BEN’S ORIGINAL ® MASTERFOODS ® and ROYAL CANIN® ORIJEN® ACANA® we are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.

Join us in building a sustainable future where people, communities, and the planet can truly thrive.

We are currently seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused Financial Operations Specialist – Payroll (in a 12 month parental leave cover) to join our dedicated ANZ Mars Global Services (MGS) Payroll Team based in either Wodonga or Melbourne. In this pivotal role, you will be the engine behind ensuring our Associates across Australia and New Zealand are paid accurately and on time, while driving efficiency and building collaborative relationships across the business.

The Opportunity:

As a key member of the MGS Payroll Team, you will manage all aspects of payroll operations—from initial time and attendance recording to payroll processing and general ledger reconciliation.

Working closely with our managed service provider and site stakeholders, you will act as a trusted partner, troubleshooting issues, executing critical financial controls, and answering day-to-day inquiries with a friendly, customer-first approach.

What you’ll do:

• Payroll Operations & Collaboration: Coordinate closely with our payroll managed service provider to maintain accurate and up-to-date Associate payroll records for all ANZ business units.
• Control & Quality Assurance: Execute essential controls for payrun processing and perform various payroll-related period close activities, including compiling key financial reports.
• Support & Troubleshooting: Act as a main point of contact for Associates seeking guidance on payroll procedures, self-service portals, and general queries.
• Systems & Timekeeping Guidance: Support and guide site timekeepers to optimize our time and attendance systems, troubleshooting site-specific issues to keep operations running smoothly.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze current time-recording processes and procedures, and proactively suggest and implement smart efficiency improvements.
• Compliance & Auditing: Assist, coordinate, and review government and external compliance submissions, including Superannuation, Work Cover, ABS, Payroll Tax, and PAYG.
• Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships across ANZ business units to meet and exceed our high service standards, tracking payroll issues, and actively participating in team projects and regular stakeholder meetings.

Your unique ingredients:

We are looking for a reliable, collaborative individual who takes pride in delivering consistent results and exhibits a high drive for success.

• Experience: One or more years of hands-on payroll processing and customer service experience, gained in an business with a large or complicated payroll structure.
• Technical Skills: Strong system skills with intermediate-to-advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook.
• Payroll Knowledge: A solid understanding of Australia and New Zealand payroll regulations, superannuation, and tax rules.

• Core Competencies: Exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, high integrity, and a passion for continuous self-development.
• A tertiary degree or diploma in accounting or a related financial field is highly regarded.

Why you’ll love working for Mars:

• Purpose: Help craft beloved brands with a legacy of over 100 years of local manufacturing making products that people and pets will love all while helping to build a more sustainable future.
• People: A culture that values your contributions, fosters leadership, and recognises the impact you make. Your work truly matters here.
• Development: Shape your career with personalised development and real opportunities to grow from day one.
• Enjoy a team and business environment that is invested in helping you manage and grow your energy for work and life.
• Stay active and energised with an onsite gym and walking track
• Convenient onsite parking for a hassle-free commute

Mars is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

We know everyone’s needs are different, and we’re committed to making our application process accessible and supportive for all candidates. If you require any adjustments along the way, simply let us know in your application form. We’ll work with you to understand what will help you feel comfortable and supported.