Senior Payroll Advisor

• Full time opportunity
• Fixed term role available untill Oct 2026
• Wellington based only

If you are Senior who enjoys rolling up their sleeves and mentoring others, we would love to hear from you

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

·We put Tamariki first

·We believe Aroha is vital

·We respect the Mana of people

·We are Tika and Pono

·We value Whakapapa

·We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The payroll service includes activities such as verification and assurance of the payroll data received via HR workflows, processing, reconciliation and reporting of the on-cycle and off-cycle pay runs, administering of ACC, superannuation, deductions and processing and reconciliation of final pays and overpayments. Our payroll function connects with all areas our business so you need to have great communication skills that can be adjusted to suit the audience and the ability to convey information and ideas clearly.

Key Responsibilities:

• Significant payroll experience in a large organisation with proven experience operating Payroll systems, ideally using SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP);
• Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation that impacts on the operation of Payroll services.
• Collaborate with the Payroll Manager/Team Leader to provide mentoring and support to Payroll Co-ordinators around complex payroll issues or resolve/ negotiate with managers/ employees on issues.
• Support the Payroll Manager/Team Leader with the induction and training of new Payroll Co-ordinators helping to develop technical and work standards which encourage individual and team development.
• Work with the team to ensure a cohesive, efficient, and effective payroll administration and processing service is provided to customers.
• Role model and drive the culture of a high trust customer service.
• Participate in or lead Payroll & HRIS projects or key accountability initiatives.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

You will be a player/coach able to manage your work priorities while supporting the team coordinators. You will have an excellent repour with your stakeholders and support them with system use.

• Payroll experience in a large organization with proven experience operating Payroll systems, ideally using SAP.
• Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation that impacts on the operation of Payroll services.
• Ability to analyse and/or resolve complex payroll calculations and tasks, e.g. ACC, overpayments
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences and build and maintain rapport with others
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships across the team and external agencies
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $90,429 and $100,019 dependant on experience. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. A strong cover letter should complement your CV by telling a compelling story about why you're the right fit for the role, why you want the role, why Oranga Tamariki and to and what you bring.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact

Hurry as applications for this role close at 5pm on Thursday 13th November 2026

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.