Forensics Forum
Forensics ForumWe’re excited to announce the return of our Forensics Forum, launching in February 2026 with a dynamic line-up of local and international experts.
The payroll function is no longer set and forget
In our experience, the causes of employers making incorrect payments of wages and superannuation are not intentional, but rather a case of complex Modern Awards and EBA payment rules that require careful implementation and continuous monitoring.
Grant Thornton has a diverse core team of specialists that deliver solutions to your distinct payroll issue. Our seamless cross-collaboration provides our clients (and legal counsel intermediaries) with best-in-class service directly suited to your needs and a continuous team who is used to working together for all services.
You may have the following questions around your systems efficiency and compliance:
- What is an EBA and are we adhering to the terms of our EBA?
- How is compliance monitored across our Australian payroll processes?
- Is our current payroll delivery model optimised for efficiency while maintaining full compliance with applicable Modern Awards and Fair Work regulations?
- Do we conduct routine payroll audits to proactively identify and rectify any discrepancies, underpayments, or systemic errors?
- Are overtime and penalty rates being calculated accurately and in accordance with relevant industrial instruments and legislative requirements?
Be confident in your payroll obligations
With experience in over 100 matters across interpreting 20 Modern Awards, we bring together risk, data analytics, tax and forensics expertise to help companies and their stakeholders navigate complex Awards and meet employer pay obligations.
Additionally, we are experienced in partnering with employment law practitioners by utilising our data analytics expertise and advanced technology to deliver insights and historical pay calculations at scale according to legal advice issued.
A snapshot of industries served: Retail, NFP, Health and Aged Care, Technology, Hospitality, Councils, Universities, Manufacturing, Government.
Our services and how we can help you
Payroll systems process & controls review
- Payroll process and controls review
- New system implementation assessment/support
Pay compliance with Modern Award/EBAs
- Data analytics
- Sample and historical payroll recalculations to quantify underpayments
- Assessments of annualised salaries
- Better off overall tests (BOOT)
- Long service leave calculations
- Rostering and Work Pattern analytics
Tax/Superannuation advice
- Quantifying superannuation shortfalls & SGC advice
- Payroll tax advice
Remediation/Fair Work Ombudsman support
- Regulatory support: Independent audits/assessments for Enforceable Undertakings
- Project management for payroll remediation programs
- Facilitating hotlines and communications to impacted individuals
- Facilitating rectification payments back to individuals
Modern Award/EBA pay compliance considerations
- Are your systems fit for applicable industrial instruments?
- Are you underpaying employees? Have you quantified all amounts due?
- Are you compliant with superannuation employer and tax obligations?
- Do you require Independent Audit support for Enforceable Undertakings?
Related content
The scale and financial investment of payroll remediation programs
PodcastIn the latest episode of Beyond the Numbers with Grant Thornton, Partner & National Head of Forensic Consulting Alex Bell and Management Consulting Partner Chris Wong talk through the importance of independent payroll remediation reviews.
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28 min listen
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07 Nov 2024
Stages of a payroll remediation project – Stage 5 Dealing with Regulators
InsightThis article is the fifth and final instalment in our series where we delve into the stages of a payroll remediation project.
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3 min read
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24 Jul 2024
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