Senior Payroll Advisor

About the organisation

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is focused on placing tamariki and rangatahi at the centre of its work. The organisation is guided by values that emphasise putting children first, acting with aroha, respecting the mana of people, being tika and pono, valuing whakapapa, and recognising that oranga is an ongoing journey.

The ministry is committed to helping ensure New Zealand is the best place in the world for a child and works in partnership with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations to identify suitable solutions for tamariki who need support.

About the role

This Senior Payroll Advisor position is based in Wellington and is offered as a fixed-term or secondment opportunity until July 2027. It is a full-time role with hybrid working arrangements.

The payroll team supports a wide range of activity, including checking and validating payroll data received through HR workflows, running on-cycle and off-cycle payrolls, reconciling and reporting pay runs, and managing ACC, superannuation, deductions, final pays, and overpayments. Because payroll touches many parts of the organisation, strong communication skills and the ability to explain information clearly to different audiences are essential.

Key responsibilities

• Bring substantial payroll experience from a large organisation and operate payroll systems confidently, ideally SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP).
• Apply strong knowledge of payroll-related legislation and compliance requirements.
• Work alongside the Payroll Manager to address and negotiate payroll issues with managers and employees.
• Help deliver an efficient, coordinated payroll administration and processing service, with a key focus on overpayments.
• Set the tone for a high-trust, customer-focused service culture.

What you will bring

• Experience in payroll within a large organisation, with practical use of payroll systems, ideally SAP.
• Sound understanding of legislation affecting payroll operations.
• Ability to work through complex payroll calculations and cases such as ACC and overpayments.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex information for different audiences.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across teams and with external agencies.
• Appreciation of cross-cultural practice, including knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples’ culture.
• A team-oriented approach, with the ability to manage priorities while supporting colleagues when needed.

What’s on offer

The role comes with a step-based remuneration structure that increases annually with tenure and experience. The annual salary range starts at $90,429 and goes up to $100,019, depending on experience.

You will join a supportive and lively team with flexible working options and a genuine focus on wellbeing. The organisation also provides substantial training and professional development to support your growth. Diversity is welcomed, and the workplace is expected to be inclusive and respectful.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted online with a CV and covering letter. The cover letter should clearly explain why you are a strong match for the role, why you want to work in this position, why Oranga Tamariki appeals to you, and what you can contribute.

Current Oranga Tamariki employees should apply using their Oranga Tamariki email login.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 19 July, although candidates may be shortlisted and invited to interview before that date.

Important information

Anyone interested in vacancies with the organisation should review the code of conduct, which outlines expectations for staff and requires them to attend work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.

This role is listed as Wellington based only.