Payroll Officer

Service Foods Ltd; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Service Foods Ltd in Mangere, Auckland, is seeking an experienced Payroll Officer to own end-to-end payroll for our nationwide workforce of approximately 800 employees and to support the small People & Culture team with HR administration.

The role requires 3+ years of NZ payroll experience, a tertiary qualification in business, administration or accounting, and strong knowledge of Holidays Act, PAYE and KiwiSaver.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in business, administration, or accounting.
• 3+ years’ NZ payroll experience.
• HR advisory experience is an added advantage.
• Experience with RWF or Zambion payroll systems is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of NZ payroll legislation (Holidays Act, PAYE, KiwiSaver).
• Experience in complex payroll environments (shift workers, allowances).

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end fortnightly payroll processing for ~800 employees.
• Manage employee changes, leave, allowances, deductions and adjustments.
• Prepare payroll reconciliations, reporting, and IRD filings.
• Develop payroll reports and dashboards; support system improvements.
• Provide HR administration support within the People & Culture team.
• Assist in workforce planning and rostering-related activities.
• Maintain confidential employee records in line with privacy requirements.

Skills

Payroll processing

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

English communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in business/administration or accounting

Tools

Ready Workforce (RWF)

Zambion

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Officer to join our National Support team at Service Foods – a family-owned, values-driven organisation with a strong service focus.

This is a hands-on role where you will take ownership of end-to-end payroll while also supporting our small People & Culture team with HR administration activities.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a family-owned, values-driven organisation
• Work in a supportive, collaborative team environment
• Opportunity to contribute to process improvements and system enhancements

Position snapshot:

• Location: Mangere, South Auckland [near Auckland Report]
• Hours: Monday to Friday
• This is primarily an office-based role due to its collaborative nature

About the Role

Reporting to the HR & Payroll Manager, you will work closely with the business leaders and employees across the business. Payroll is a highly trusted function within our business, and we are looking for someone who is professional, collaborative, and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes.

You will play a key role in ensuring payroll is processed accurately and on time for our nationwide workforce of approximately 800 employees across 18 branches operating 24/7.

You will also support our small People & Culture team, contributing across HR administration and workforce initiatives in a collaborative and respectful way that supports our diverse workforce.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll

• End-to-end fortnightly payroll processing (wages and salaries)
• Manage employee changes, leave, allowances, deductions, and adjustments
• Ensure accurate payroll reconciliations, reporting, and IRD filings
• Respond to payroll queries with professionalism and discretion

Reporting & Systems

• Prepare payroll and workforce reports and insights
• Develop and maintain reporting dashboards
• Support improvements to payroll systems, processes, and documentation

Workforce Planning & HR Support

• Support workforce planning and staffing forecasts
• Review and process hiring requests in line with budget requirements
• Manage PPE allocation, employee access cards (security tags), and access control records
• Liaise with temporary labour agencies
• Train people leaders on roster management, leave approvals, and system use
• Maintain employee records in compliance with the Privacy Act 2020
• Provide HR support during non-pay weeks
• Contribute to HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives

About You

You are an experienced payroll professional who takes pride in accuracy, reliability, and ownership of your work. You remain calm under pressure, are highly organised, and bring a strong service-first mindset.

Just as importantly, you are a team player —approachable, flexible, and willing to pitch in. You demonstrate respect for diversity and contribute positively to an inclusive, supportive team environment, bringing a no-ego, service-first attitude to your work.

What You Will Bring

• A tertiary qualification in business, administration, or accounting
• 3+ years’ NZ payroll experience
• HR Advisory experience is an added advantage
• Experience with payroll systems – Ready Workforce (RWF) / Zambion highly desirable
• Strong knowledge of NZ payroll legislation (Holidays Act, PAYE, KiwiSaver)
• Experience in complex payroll environments (e.g. shift workers, allowances)
• High attention to detail and strong analytical capability
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment
• Professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent written and verbal English, with confidence facilitating Teams sessions and training people leaders

Pre-employment checks: Shortlisted applicants will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including employment references, a credit check, and a Ministry of Justice criminal conviction check.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold NZ citizenship, residency, or a valid work visa.