Payroll Manager

About Kordia

Kordia has supported the safety, connectivity, and readiness of New Zealand businesses and communities for over 65 years. With operations across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific, the organisation delivers mission-critical technology services across cloud, cyber security, broadcasting, maritime communications, and critical communications infrastructure. Supported by more than 450 specialists, Kordia is relied on by many of New Zealand’s largest organisations to safeguard essential services.

About the role

Kordia is hiring an experienced Payroll Manager to lead its payroll function through an important period of change. As payroll is moved back in-house, this role will be central to creating a modern, efficient, compliant service that gives employees a strong payroll experience.

Reporting to the Senior Financial Controller, you will bring strong payroll expertise and a mindset focused on continuous improvement. Partnering closely with Finance and People & Culture, you will help strengthen payroll capability, improve reporting, refine systems, and make sure every pay run is accurate, timely, and compliant with New Zealand requirements. This is a chance to shape how payroll works across the organisation and make a lasting impact.

What you will do

• Run the full payroll cycle and ensure all employees are paid correctly and on schedule.
• Guide the move from an outsourced provider to a streamlined internal payroll operation.
• Build reliable payroll processes, controls, and documentation to support strong compliance and smooth delivery.
• Make sure payroll practices align with New Zealand employment law and statutory obligations.
• Prepare payroll, leave, and workforce reports to support business decisions.
• Review payroll and workforce information to spot trends and improvement opportunities.
• Maintain accurate payroll, time and attendance, and HRIS data.
• Support system integration, testing, and ongoing improvement work, including optimisation of HiBob.
• Provide helpful and timely advice to employees and managers on payroll matters.

What you will bring

• Substantial experience managing end-to-end payroll for New Zealand organisations.
• Strong working knowledge of New Zealand payroll law and compliance, including the Holidays Act, Employment Relations Act, PAYE, KiwiSaver, and ACC.
• Experience creating or improving payroll processes, controls, and governance structures.
• Experience with payroll system implementations, payroll transitions, or continuous improvement projects.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability, with a practical approach to implementing solutions.
• Excellent accuracy, attention to detail, and organisational skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across the business.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel capability and experience with payroll and HRIS systems; HiBob experience is an advantage.
• A relevant qualification in Payroll, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. NZ Certificate in Payroll Practice or NZPPA membership is preferred.

Why join Kordia

This opportunity allows you to establish and lead an in-house payroll function during a major period of transformation. You will have ownership of payroll operations and the scope to improve processes, enhance systems, and embed a sustainable, compliant operating model. Working with Finance, People & Culture, and business leaders, you will help lift payroll capability, support performance, and deliver a dependable employee experience.

Benefits and rewards

• Employer superannuation contributions matched up to 5%.
• Learning and development budgets to support professional growth.
• Opportunities for internal career progression.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Retail discounts and other benefits.
• Enhanced parental leave support.
• Life insurance benefits.
• Wellbeing initiatives and EAP services.