Payroll Officer

Role overview

Service Foods is looking for a seasoned Payroll Officer to join its National Support team. This is a practical, ownership-focused position that handles payroll from start to finish while also assisting the People & Culture team with day-to-day HR administration.

Why this role could suit you

• Join a family-owned organisation that is guided by strong values and a service mindset
• Be part of a collaborative and supportive workplace
• Contribute to payroll process refinement and systems improvement

Position details

• Work location: Mangere, South Auckland
• Permanent full-time opportunity with an early July commencement
• Working pattern: Monday to Friday, with some flexibility around start and finish times
• The role is mainly office-based because of its team-oriented nature

About the team and environment

You will report to the Workforce and Payroll Manager and work alongside the Commercial Reporting & Insights team, managers, and staff across the wider business. Payroll is treated as a highly trusted function, so the ideal person will be dependable, collaborative, and focused on consistently high-quality work.

The role supports payroll delivery for around 800 employees across 18 branches operating around the clock. In addition, you will provide support to a small People & Culture team through HR administration and workforce-related initiatives, contributing in a respectful and inclusive way.

Key responsibilities

Payroll duties

• Run the full fortnightly payroll cycle for both wages and salaried staff
• Process employee updates, leave, allowances, deductions, and pay adjustments
• Complete reconciliations, reporting, and IRD submissions accurately
• Handle payroll questions with discretion and professionalism
• Keep payroll records correct and compliant with New Zealand law
• Assist with audit readiness and payroll compliance records
• Work with outside parties such as IRD, MOJ, MSD, MBIE, ACC, and relevant agencies
• Maintain payroll integration records and support onboarding, offboarding, and final pay calculations

Reporting and systems

• Prepare payroll and workforce reports along with business insights
• Create and maintain dashboards for reporting
• Support enhancements to payroll systems, processes, and documentation

Workforce planning and HR support

• Assist with workforce planning and staffing forecasts
• Review hiring requests and check them against budget expectations
• Manage PPE issuance, employee access cards, and access control records
• Coordinate with temporary labour agencies
• Train people leaders on roster tools, leave approvals, and system usage
• Maintain employee files in line with the Privacy Act 2020
• Provide HR assistance during non-pay weeks
• Help with HR projects and continuous improvement work

What the employer is looking for

The ideal candidate is an experienced payroll professional who values accuracy, ownership, and reliability. You should stay composed under pressure, be highly organised, and bring a strong service-oriented approach to your work.

You will also need to be approachable, flexible, and comfortable working as part of a team. Respect for diversity and a cooperative, no-ego attitude are important for success in this environment.

Selection criteria

• Tertiary study in business, administration, or accounting
• At least 3 years of New Zealand payroll experience
• Demonstrated experience handling payroll end to end
• Payroll system knowledge, especially Ready Workforce (RWF) or Zambion, is an advantage
• Strong understanding of NZ payroll rules, including the Holidays Act, PAYE, and KiwiSaver
• Experience working in complex payroll settings such as shift work and allowances
• Advanced Excel capability, including formulas, pivot tables, and charts
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Ability to work autonomously while also contributing to a team
• Professional judgement and discretion when dealing with confidential information
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Confident written and spoken English, including the ability to run Teams sessions and train people leaders

How to apply

Submit your CV together with a cover letter explaining why you are a strong match for this position.

Shortlisted candidates are expected to hear back within 10 to 12 working days.

Pre-employment screening

Candidates selected for the next stage will need to complete reference checks, a credit check, and a criminal conviction check through the Ministry of Justice.

Eligibility

Applicants must be New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, or hold a valid work visa.