Senior Payroll Specialist

Role overview

The Ministry of Education in New Zealand is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to support accurate, timely payroll delivery for a large and complex workforce. This permanent full-time role is based in Wellington and sits within a collaborative team focused on service quality, continuous improvement, and practical processes that support employees across Aotearoa.

You will act as a subject-matter expert, handle complex payroll matters, provide trusted guidance, and contribute to better payroll practices across the organisation. The position offers flexible working within a supportive team environment.

What you’ll do

In this role, you will be responsible for specialist payroll support and will help ensure employees are paid correctly and on time. You will also coach others, share expertise, and influence improvements in payroll operations.

• Manage and support accurate payroll processing within a large-scale environment.
• Resolve complex payroll issues and provide expert advice to stakeholders.
• Support fortnightly pay runs, off-cycle payments, and payday filing activities.
• Work with intricate payroll calculations and ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
• Help shape payroll best practices and contribute to ongoing process improvements.
• Deliver high-quality service while meeting agreed service standards.
• Share knowledge, guide team members, and contribute to a collaborative team culture.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for a payroll professional with strong technical capability, a focus on accuracy, and a genuine commitment to customer service. You should feel comfortable working through complex payroll scenarios and building strong relationships across the organisation.

• Prior experience with SAP payroll processing or a similar system.
• Hands-on experience running fortnightly payroll cycles, off-cycle payments, and payday filing.
• Experience handling complex payroll calculations.
• Solid knowledge of payroll legislation and obligations, including the Holidays Act, Employment Relations Act, Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act, and related requirements.
• Experience giving expert advice and delivering strong service in a high-volume environment.
• Willingness and ability to uphold Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Pay and employment details

This is a permanent job with a salary range of NZ$74,815 to NZ$90,347 per year, plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be placed within that range based on skills and experience.

Team environment

You will join the People Services team, a diverse group committed to efficient, practical processes, strong customer service, and a positive team culture. The team values learning, mutual support, and flexibility.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should include information about your background, values, motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the perspective you would bring to the role. The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday, 20 July 2026.

Additional information

If you need support or adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, you can request assistance. For further information about the role, contact Ditas Tirados, Team Leader Payroll, at ditas.tirados@education.govt.nz.

The role was advertised on 8 July 2026 and is based in Wellington, New Zealand.