The Senior Associate (Payroll Officer (NZ)
We are seeking an experienced hands-on NZ (New Zealand) Payroll Officer. This role requires a detail-oriented and proactive individual with an understanding of NZ payroll legislation, and the ability to manage complex payroll processes. As a Payroll Officer, you will be responsible for delivering accurate and timely payroll services while navigating competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. You will also assist with Australian payroll as required.
Work Schedule: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday
Work Setup: Hybrid
JOB RESPONSBILITIES:
- Process end-to-end payroll (fortnightly and monthly) for NZ employees and contractors.
- Maintain full compliance with New Zealand payroll legislation, including PAYE, ACC, and KiwiSaver obligations, subject to oversight and review by the Payroll Manager.
- Prepare and process payroll while ensuring all leave management practices comply with the Holidays Act 2003, including the accurate calculation and annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and other statutory entitlements, as reviewed by the Payroll Manager.
- Onboard new starters into payroll systems and ensure accurate and timely updates.
- Upload and verify NZ timesheets and associated payroll data.
- Prepare and reconcile payroll reports include PAYE, timesheet and GL reconciliation supporting month-end and year-end close processes.
- Ensuring all employee payments remain fully compliant with Employment New Zealand and Inland Revenue requirements.
- In coordination with the payroll manager, interpret and apply relevant industry awards, collective employment agreements, and sector-specific pay frameworks (where applicable), ensuring payroll practices align with contractual and industry obligations.
- NZ minimum wage and award rates (Adult, Starting-Out, Training, and industry-specific), ensuring full compliance with Employment New Zealand and IR requirements — subject to Payroll Manager review and approval.
- Support payroll system upgrades, testing, and process improvements to drive efficiency and accuracy.
- Analyze and resolve payroll discrepancies, ensuring timely resolution and minimal business impact.
- Maintain governance, reporting, and compliance documentation, and assist in preparing reports for government panel placements.
- Identify and mitigate payroll-related risks, ensuring adherence to company policies and best practices.
- Be an escalation point for any queries regarding contractor payments
- Prepare banking upload files
Who we are looking for:
- Bachelor's Degree holder
- 4–5 years experience in NZ payroll, with strong knowledge of the Holidays Act 2023 Proficiency in payroll systems such as Astute, Employment Hero, or similar.
- Self-motivated learner—takes initiative to stay current with changes to NZ payroll legislation, IR guidance, and industry best practices, proactively upskilling to keep knowledge sharp and processes compliant.
- Working knowledge of NZ minimum wage and award rates, including the Adult Minimum Wage, Starting-Out/Training wage rates, and any applicable industry-specific rates, ensuring payroll outputs remain compliant with current Inland Revenue and Employment New Zealand requirements.
What's in it for you
- Competitive salary + non-taxable allowances
- Health & wellness benefits to keep you at your best
- Paid vacation and sick leave credits
- Yearly performance bonuses
- FREE meals on office days
- Parent-friendly office
- Training, certifications & CPD assistance
- PRC license renewal reimbursement
- Fun employee activities all year round
Grab our Job Applicant Kit here: https://lnkd.in/gbuADiz
