Payroll Lead

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

About Us

He aha te mea nui o tēnei ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

Hello, Kia ora, Noa'ia, Talofa lava, Mauri, Mālō e lelei, Tālofa, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō ni, Kia orana , nǐ hǎo, Kamusta.

WorkSafe New Zealand | Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa is the primary workplace health and safety regulator. Our vision is that everyone who goes to mahi comes home healthy and safe. We live by our values:

• Whakakotahi– we are united in a strong purpose

• Kōrero mai– we engage meaningfully

• Tiakina mai– we are entrusted with a duty of care

About your team / Ko te tīma

Join our Finance team and play a key role in delivering an essential service that supports every WorkSafe kaimahi. You'll lead a small team of payroll specialists and work closely with People & Capability, Digital, leaders across the business, and external service providers to ensure payroll services are accurate, compliant, and continuously improving.

About the role / Ō te tūranga

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys balancing operational excellence with strategic improvement. As Payroll Lead, you'll oversee the end-to-end payroll function while providing expert advice on complex payroll matters, strengthening controls and compliance, and helping shape future payroll systems and processes. You'll play a key role in driving improvements that enhance the experience of our people while ensuring payroll remains accurate, resilient, and fit for the future.

This is a permanent role with Wellington as the preferred location.

What You'll Do/ Ko tōu ake mahi

• Lead the delivery of accurate and timely payroll services

• Provide expert advice on complex payroll matters

• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation and obligations

• Manage payroll systems, controls and reporting processes

• Drive payroll improvements and system enhancements

• Support payroll input into business and technology change

• Strengthen governance, risk and assurance practices

• Coach and support a small high-performing payroll team

What You'll Bring / Ko ngā pukenga ōu

• Significant experience delivering end-to-end payroll services in a medium to large organisation.

• In-depth knowledge of New Zealand payroll legislation, including PAYE, KiwiSaver, the Holidays Act, and employment relations requirements.

• Confidence navigating complex payroll issues and providing trusted advice to leaders, employees, and stakeholders.

• Strong payroll systems expertise, with experience managing system administration, testing, reporting, reconciliations, and controls.

• A proven track record of driving payroll improvements, system enhancements, and process change while maintaining accurate and compliant payroll delivery.

• Exceptional attention to detail, sound judgement, and a commitment to delivering a high-quality payroll experience.

Ideally you will also bring:

• Experience supporting payroll transformation, system implementation, or replacement programmes.

• Knowledge of Holidays Act remediation and historical payroll correction projects.

• Experience working within the New Zealand public sector or a regulatory environment.

• Exposure to outsourced payroll providers, implementation partners, or payroll technology vendors.

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.

Salary range / Awhe utu

As part of our remuneration framework, the expected appointment base salary is $112,754-$124,480 (KiwiSaver/SSRSS employer contributions are additional).

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 5 weeks annual leave

• 15 days sick leave

• A Reward and Recognition Framework that celebrates the impact our kaimahi make – your mahi matters

• Professional development opportunities

• Employee-led networks to promote the goals and needs of our diverse communities (Rainbow, Pacific, Women's and Tū Rangatira Māori Network as well as Enabled Network and Multi – Ethnic Network.)

How to apply / Me pēhea te tono

Click Apply, complete the application form, and upload your CV and cover letter.

AI can be a helpful tool when preparing your application, but what matters most to us is you. Please ensure your CV, cover letter, and responses reflect your own skills, experiences, and perspective. We want to hear your real story - your passion, your personality, and what makes you unique. Don't let AI do all the talking - let it support you, not replace you.

Learn more about working with us: Careers | WorkSafe.

WorkSafe Mahi Haumaru is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent. We believe different perspectives strengthen our mahi and help create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

If you encounter accessibility barriers in completing the application or require adjustments or support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you, contact careers@worksafe.govt.nz for a confidential kōrero.

Applications close: 11.59pm, 22 October 2026