Payroll Specialist - Lower Hutt

PAE; Lower Hutt; Hybrid; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

PAE New Zealand is seeking a Payroll Specialist to own the payroll process for about 450 staff across Lower Hutt or Christchurch branches. You will ensure accuracy, compliance with NZ legislation, and timely processing of all payroll runs.

The role requires five+ years in payroll, advanced Excel and strong communication, with a pragmatic, results-oriented mindset. A supportive team environment and diverse projects await.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of payroll experience with strong NZ employment legislation knowledge.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with financial systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Clear communication to explain complex payroll issues.
• Pragmatic, solution-focused approach to challenges.
• Passion for supporting people and delivering accurate payroll results.

Responsibilities

• Own the payroll process for ~450 staff (fortnightly, weekly and one-off runs) and ensure NZ compliance.
• Collaborate with managers to get timesheets approved on time.
• Manage employee records from onboarding to termination and deductions.
• Provide timely payroll advice, leave entitlements and pay-queries.
• Ensure payroll data is accurate, secure and up to date.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot payroll challenges.

Skills

Payroll expertise

Attention to detail

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management

Tools

Excel

Financial systems

Job description

• Make an impact in this flexible, people-focused role!
• Partner with cross functional teams

About Us

At PAE New Zealand, we’re all about keeping the world working and moving. As one of the country’s leading providers of Facilities Management services, we support some of Aotearoa’s most vital operations. Whether it’s the New Zealand Defence Force, local businesses, or Antarctic missions, our work behind the scenes keeps everything running smoothly.

Our values guide everything we do:

• We Care: for people, safety, and doing the right thing.
• We Do What’s Right: with integrity and teamwork.
• We Go The Extra Mile: solving challenges with determination.
• We Bring Our Best: with passion, ownership, and expertise.
• We’re Part of the Bigger Picture: embracing sustainability, community, and inclusion.

The Role

Are you ready to own the payroll process and make it seamless? Are you up to date with legislation? We’re looking for a detail-focused and pragmaticFull-Time Payroll Specialistto join our Finance Team.

If you love working with people, solving problems with a can-do attitude, and taking pride in delivering accurate results, this is your chance to make a real difference. This role is based either from out Lower Hutt branch or our Christchurch branch.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Owning the fortnightly, weekly and one-off payroll process for approx. 450 staff, ensuring precision and compliance with NZ legislation.
• Collaborating with managers to get timesheets approved on time.
• Managing employee records, from starters and terminations to deductions.
• Providing timely advice on payroll, leave entitlements, and pay queries.Ensuring payroll data is accurate, secure, and up to date.
• Partnering with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve payroll-related challenges.

What You’ll Bring

• At least five years of payroll experience with a strong understanding of NZ employment legislation.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with financial systems.
• An eagle eye for accuracy and a knack for managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex issues clearly.
• A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to resolving challenges.
• A genuine passion for supporting people and achieving positive outcomes.

Why Join PAE?

• A supportive team environment where your skills are recognized.
• The opportunity to work on meaningful projects that keep Aotearoa moving.
• A workplace that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of diverse perspectives and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.