Payroll in Australia is at a tipping point. Complexity keeps growing, yet many organisations still fail to invest in developing payroll capability, creating serious risk for both employers and employees. The Australian Payroll Association (APA) continues to show that the future belongs to organisations that treat payroll as a governed, technology-enabled, and well-trained strategic function, not a back-office process.
Untrained Staff in Payroll Roles
It’s still common for payroll duties to be assigned to someone in finance, HR, or administration simply because they’re “good with numbers,” not because they’re qualified. Recent industry research shows that fewer than half of Australian organisations employ dedicated payroll professionals, the lowest rate in the Asia–Pacific region. As a result, many businesses rely on staff who may never have been trained in awards, enterprise agreements, superannuation, or Fair Work obligations.
Every new entrant to payroll should complete at least APA’s Payroll Essentials course, which builds skills in the National Employment Standards, leave entitlements, superannuation, and compliance. The course is ideal for beginners or those needing a legislative update:
https://austpayroll.com.au/training?filter_date=&type=&event_id=34018450980#training_filters.
Training Gaps Fuel the Skills Shortage
The APA’s 2025 Payroll Industry Survey shows that payroll complexity and expectations are rising faster than investment in professional development. The most resilient organisations are those prioritising governance, technology, and continuous learning. Yet training is still too often treated as optional.
This underinvestment feeds Australia’s growing payroll skills shortage. With limited formal education pathways and structured career development, many payroll practitioners are left to “learn on the job” without proper support.
The Real Cost of Cutting Corners
Skipping payroll training may seem economical, but the long-term costs are steep. Inadequate knowledge drives compliance risk, errors, and burnout. Underpayments, penalties, and reputational damage can easily outweigh the cost of proper training.
The human impact is equally serious. Payroll mistakes quickly erode trust, and untrained staff face pressure they’re ill-equipped to manage.
Payroll as a Strategic Asset
Payroll is no longer just administration; it’s a key driver of compliance, workforce management, and financial insight. When well-governed and well-trained, payroll becomes a source of intelligence that supports better decision-making on costs, attendance, and forecasting. Automation then amplifies these benefits by freeing professionals for analysis and strategic contribution.
Have Your Say
Help shape the future of payroll in Australia by taking part in the 2026 APA Payroll Industry Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NJZ9QS5.
