Payroll Specialist

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 67,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

The Ministry of Education in Wellington is seeking a Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate and timely payroll for staff. You will handle payroll calculations, leave administration, and complex enquiries, while upholding payroll policy and legislative requirements.

You will work within a team committed to quality service and continuous improvement. Applicants will have payroll experience in a large organisation, strong numeracy, and proficiency with HR/payroll systems such as SuccessFactors.

Qualifications

• Experience working in payroll within a complex organisation and high-volume environment.
• Knowledge of payroll legislation including Holidays Act, Employment Relations Act, Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act.
• Experience using HR and payroll systems, ideally SuccessFactors, with strong numeracy and payroll calculation skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with a commitment to customer service excellence.

Responsibilities

• Perform payroll calculations, one-off payments, leave administration, terminations, ACC management, and respond to payroll enquiries.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and maintain payroll processes and systems integrity.
• Interpret and apply payroll-related legislation, policies, and employment agreements.

Skills

Payroll processing

Payroll legislation

HRIS / SuccessFactors

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication

Tools

SuccessFactors

Job description

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Ministry of Education – Wellington, North Island

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes.

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our learners in our education system.

The Payroll Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring Ministry employees are paid accurately and on time. Working within the Payroll team, you'll provide high-quality payroll administration, advice, and support in a complex and fast-paced environment.

You’ll be responsible for a wide range of payroll activities, including payroll calculations, one-off payments, leave administration, terminations, ACC management, overpayments, and responding to payroll enquiries. You’ll also contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and help maintain the integrity and efficiency of payroll processes and systems.

This role requires a strong customer focus, attention to detail, sound judgement, and the ability to interpret and apply payroll-related legislation, policies, and employment agreements.

Salary range: $66,801 - $80,195 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

We’re looking for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys delivering excellent customer service and building positive working relationships across an organisation. You’ll be confident working with detailed information, interpreting employment agreements and legislation, and resolving complex payroll queries.

Ideally you will possess:

• Experience working in payroll within a complex organisation and high-volume environment.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, including the Holidays Act, Employment Relations Act, and Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act.
• Experience using HR and payroll systems, ideally SuccessFactors, along with strong numeracy and payroll calculation skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with a commitment to continuous improvement and customer service excellence.
• Strong attention to detail, sound organisational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You’ll join a collaborative and supportive team that values knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and delivering high-quality outcomes. This is a great opportunity to use your payroll expertise to make a meaningful contribution while continuing to develop your professional capability.

Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate enables the Ministry to deliver on its purpose by providing high-quality corporate services and support. Within this group, the Payroll team is committed to delivering accurate, responsive, and customer-focused payroll services to Ministry employees and stakeholders.

The team works closely with colleagues across People Services Team and is made up of a diverse group of people, committed to efficient processes that are practical, providing great customer service and having fun while we’re at it. You’ll be joining a team who help each other out, love learning and manage flexibility well.

For further information, please contact Ditas Tirados, Team Leader Payroll at:*************@education.govt.nz

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.