Payroll Administrator

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As a Payroll Administrator, you'll be responsible for processing payroll activities, resolving payroll queries, and maintaining accurate employee records. This is a great opportunity to apply your payroll or HR knowledge in a collaborative team environment where accuracy and service excellence are valued.

Key responsibilities:

• Deliver accurate and timely payroll services across the NZDF
• Process payroll transactions, allowances, deductions and pay adjustments
• Provide sound advice and support on payroll-related queries
• Maintain payroll data integrity and legislative compliance
• Build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders

This role is based in Trentham. Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option for flexible working arrangements.

The salary for this role ranges from $76,804 - $85,217, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

Along with proven experience providing payroll and administrative support in a customer-focused environment, you'll have a strong understanding of payroll legislation, including the Employment Relations Act, Superannuation and Holidays Act. You'll be a detail-oriented team player with excellent communication skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality service.

You will also bring:

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering accurate work
• Excellent numeracy, verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated payroll administration experience and knowledge of payroll processes
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Minimum two years' experience using SAP HCM (desirable)
• A competency-based Payroll Qualification (desirable)

Please indicate in your cover letter whether you would like to be considered for the permanent role, the fixed-term role ending in January 2028, or both opportunities.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Wednesday 14 October 2026.

Use the links on this page where you’ll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Low Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.