Payroll Coordinator

Oranga Tamariki; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 68,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Wellington is hiring a Payroll Coordinator to ensure payroll operations run smoothly and compliantly. You’ll provide critical admin support across the payroll lifecycle—from verifying HR data to managing deductions, superannuation, ACC setup and final pays, working closely with the Payroll Manager.

This role is hybrid, office-based three days a week in Wellington with flexible WFH.

Qualifications

• Payroll experience is preferred but not necessary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to grasp concepts quickly and communicate complex ideas clearly.
• Sensitivity to cross-cultural practices, tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples' culture.

Responsibilities

• Support payroll lifecycle activities, including data verification and deductions.
• Assist with superannuation, ACC setup and final pays under guidance of Payroll Manager.
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness and compliance with legislation and agreements.
• Serve as a first point of contact for payroll queries and confidential actions.

Skills

Payroll experience

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Cross-cultural awareness

Job description

• Provide administrative support for the payroll function activities
• Wellington based only
• Full-time role with flexible working options

Delivering timely and accurate payroll is essential to supporting our people who serve children and families across Aotearoa

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnć| About the role

Due to an internal promotion an opportunity has opened up as a Payroll Coordinator, you'll play a key role in ensuring our payroll operations run smoothly and compliantly. You'll provide critical administrative support across the payroll lifecycle—from verifying HR data to managing deductions, superannuation, ACC set up and final pays. Working closely with the Payroll Manager, you'll help maintain accuracy, timeliness, and legislative compliance.

This role is more than just numbers. You'll be a trusted first point of contact for payroll queries, offering informed advice aligned with employment agreements and legislation. You'll collaborate with HR and People & Leadership teams, contribute to service improvement initiatives, and support confidential payroll actions like redundancy and settlement calculations.

We're looking for someone who thrives in a high-trust, customer-focused environment, is detail-oriented, and enjoys working collaboratively. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact behind the scenes, this is your opportunity to support those who support our tamariki.

Hybrid working arrangements – office based in Wellington with flexible WFH options. Currently three days in the office, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, with the ability to come in additional days for business requirements.

Key requirements of the role include:

• Payroll experience is preferred but not necessary, applicants who have experience working in a high volume and pressured environment or similar, with tight deadlines and KPIs will also be considered
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to grasp concepts and processes quickly
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences and build and maintain rapport with others
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $68,371 and $75,501 dependant on experience. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.