Grace Mbaria

A highly skilled and experienced Accounts and Payroll professional with a proven track record of taking ownership of the payroll process and maintaining up-to -date HR admin. Equipped with strong time management, planning, organizing, accuracy and confidentiality skills, with a keen interest in flexibility in learning new processes for continuous improvement. Fluent in English with experience and exposure working with diverse backgrounds.

Visa Processing Officer - LE3, Senior Visa Processing Officer - LE4

A) Understands

One of the key responsibilities in my role as a Payroll Officer was to interpret and apply legislation through a combination of training, ongoing professional development and regularly staying informed of changes in legislation. Western Australia Health Sector had internal policies and procedures that provided guidance in applying such legislation in my daily work. 

Example: I had identified an error that had resulted from an incorrect shift code used on the Rostaring System. This had resulted in an overpayment of 28 hospital orderlies and it was my mandate according to the Hospital Support Workers Industrial Agreement to inform the affected employees with written details of the overpayment with an intent to recover the overpayment. Legislation provided that recovery could be negotiated and have the money recouped within a reasonable period of time for which majority of the orderlies honored.

However, there were few who had difficulty giving me a reasonable period of recovery and so i informed them of the provisions of their agreement which provided that an amount not exceeding 5% of their net pay could be recouped over an agreed pay period until full recovery of the overpayment was recovered. Applying and interpreting this legislation in a clear, simple and understandable manner to my affected clients resulted in the successful recovery of the overpayments within a short timeframe, ensuring compliance with all the relevant clauses.

B) Connects

Western Australia Health system consists a highly diverse workforce that would require me to liaise with people from different cultures and backgrounds by embracing and recognizing diversity and having an informed understanding of cultural awareness and social sensitivity that would ultimately facilitate cooperation and form meaningful partnerships. 

Example: In my role as a Payroll Officer, i noticed a number of clients in my portfolio were having difficulty understanding how certain payments such as Leave Cash Outs, Purchased leave, Deferred Leave, On-call and Recall allowances were being calculated and paid to them. To clear this misunderstanding, i prepared comprehensive yet easy to understand Information packages which included frequently asked questions in bullet points and infographics to cater to various literacy levels. I would also make phone calls to those clients who preferred this mode. 

Through my teams' Client Liaison Officer and approval from my line manager, i organized regular site visits to the hospitals for an Inclusive Presentation where i would present information that i frequently got enquiries about, in a clear and engaging manner, using simple language and avoiding jargon. I would encourage questions, actively listen to my clients concerns, ensuring everyone felt comfortable participating. During my presentation, i acknowledged and respected the diverse cultural backgrounds of my clients by adapting their communication style to make information relatable. Throughout these meetings, i repeated any questions or concerns demonstrating my understanding and empathy. This ensured that all my clients felt heard and valued. 

After the meetings, i would send out a follow-up email thanking my clients for their participation, summarizing key discussion points in a friendly yet professional tone, ensuring clarity and accessibility.

C) Innovates

Having worked in a dynamic payroll environment for over 10 years, i proactively sought opportunities to streamline processes, improve accuracy and enhance employee experience. 

Example: Every end month, i conducted thorough data cleansing exercises on employee data, payroll records and reports. I would identify and rectify errors ensuring they were compliant with all legislative and statutory requirements. Such errors included missing tax numbers and tax scales, incorrect increment levels and anniversary dates affected by lack of recognition of prior service or long periods of leave without pay, inactivated leave screens after return from secondment or maternity leave and so much more. 

 I also worked closely with our HR, Quality Assurance, Finance and other relevant departments ensuring seamless data flow and minimal potential errors or delays. 

By taking Initiative in these areas, i significantly contributed to a more efficient, accurate and employee-centric payroll process.

1. Risto Kacurckov;  Phone: +61 422 345 436   Email: risto.kacurkov@health.wa.gov.au

2. Monicah Riebau;   Phone: +61 431 052 990    Email: monicah.riebau@health.wa.gov.au