Senior Advisor, Education Payroll

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 101,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Extra leave days purchase

Employee network groups

Inclusive environment

Mentorship programmes

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

New Zealand Government is seeking a Payroll Specialist to help improve the payroll service for state and state-integrated schools. You will provide quality advice to the payroll provider, sector and the Ministry, and lead projects to successful conclusions, with strong communication skills for complex issues.

The role requires the ability to read and interpret legislation and policies, and to work well in a collaborative, fast-moving environment in Wellington.

Qualifications

• Experience in complex report writing.
• Either experience in payroll and associated legislation or the proven ability to pick up complex knowledge quickly.
• Excellent customer/stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in leading projects to a successful conclusion.

Responsibilities

• Improve the payroll service for state and state-integrated schools.
• Provide quality advice and guidance to the payroll provider, the sector and the wider Ministry.
• Communicate problems and potential solutions clearly, both verbally and in writing, from concept to implementation.

Skills

Complex report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Project leadership

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand*; Permanent, full-time role, Wellington based*; Make a difference for school staff in a fast-moving environment with a fun team*; Flex your problem-solving muscles on complex issuesHelp shape the future of EducationWe work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomesOur 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 students in our education system.About this role | Mo tenei turangaYou will be working in a team to improve the payroll service for state and state-integrated schools. If you enjoy finding and unpicking complicated problems, communicating the problems and potential solutions clearly both verbally and in writing, and seeing those solutions through from concept to implementation, this role could be for you! You will also provide quality advice and guidance to the payroll provider, the sector and the wider Ministry.You will also offer:Experience in complex report writingEither experience in payroll and associated legislation or the proven ability to pick up complex knowledge quicklyExcellent customer/stakeholder engagement skillsExperience in leading projects to a successful conclusion.Salary range: $101,296 - $122,490 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 hereWe also offer:*; Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued supported*; The ability to purchase extra days leave*; A range of employee network groups*; An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey*; Development and learning, including mentorship programmes and internal secondments*; Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeingAbout you | Mohou akeWe're looking for someone with excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) who can balance competing priorities. You will have excellent time management skills, an ability to work well both independently and in a team, and an understanding of the machinery of government. You will be able to read and accurately interpret legislation, collective agreements and policies.You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Maori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Maori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.About our ministry, group, and team | Matau ropu akeAt Te Tahuhu o te Matauranga, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to akonga and whanau.The team you'll be joining is welcoming and a lot of fun. We work collaboratively together, but when needed see tasks or projects through independently. We pick up a wide range of work and there's always something interesting to delve into.Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?If this opportunity interests you, please submit your Resume and Cover Letter by using the `Apply now' button. In your Cover Letter we'd like to know about you, your values, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.If you require further information you are welcome to reach out to Tim Tucker, Manager Employment Relations and Payroll Operations, at: [e-mail] close at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 04 November 2026We 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.