Senior SAP EC Payroll Specialist Local Government

Hamilton City Council; Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Professional development

Wellbeing days

Health insurance

Annual health checks

Additional annual leave

Eye care

Discounts

Job summary

Hamilton City Council is seeking a Payroll Specialist with SAP Employee Central Payroll experience to join the People, Safety & Wellness team. You’ll ensure accurate and timely payroll in line with employment terms and legislation while handling a broad range of payroll activities across the council.

The role requires strong technical payroll knowledge, experience with multiple collective agreements, and a proactive, customer-focused approach.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ payroll experience within a medium to large organisation.
• Experience working with multiple collective agreements.
• Strong knowledge of the Holidays Act, Employment Relations Act and Privacy Act as they relate to payroll.
• Good accounting knowledge, including payroll reconciliations.
• Proficient with spreadsheets, data handling and payroll reporting.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• Strong communication skills to advise stakeholders.
• Practical, solution‑focused approach.
• Experience in local government or public sector is useful but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll information, timesheets and salary changes accurately and on time.
• Ensure employees and Councillors receive correct entitlements.
• Maintain accurate and secure employee payroll records.
• Apply collective agreements and payroll legislation.
• Complete monthly payroll reconciliations to the General Ledger.
• Manage PAYE and KiwiSaver payments and IRD filing.
• Support year-end payroll reconciliation and tax-year processes.
• Respond to payroll enquiries with clear, practical advice to managers and staff.
• Liaise with external organisations such as IRD, ACC, Audit NZ and WINZ.
• Keep payroll system settings up to date with legislative changes.
• Contribute to payroll improvements and special projects.

Skills

Payroll expertise

SAP EC Payroll

Data analysis

Customer service

Tools

SAP

Job description

Hamilton City Council is seeking a Payroll Specialist with SAP Employee Central Payroll experience to join the People, Safety & Wellness team. You’ll ensure accurate and timely payroll in line with employment terms and legislation while handling a broad range of payroll activities across the council.

The role requires strong technical payroll knowledge, experience with multiple collective agreements, and a proactive, customer-focused approach.