Payroll Officer

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Officer to join our National Support team at Service Foods – a family-owned, values-driven organisation with a strong service focus.

This is a hands-on role where you will take ownership of end-to-end payroll while also supporting our small People & Culture team with HR administration activities.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a family-owned, values-driven organisation

Work in a supportive, collaborative team environment

Opportunity to contribute to process improvements and system enhancements

Position snapshot:

Location: Mangere, South Auckland [near Auckland Report]

Stable, full-time permanent role

Hours: Monday to Friday

This is primarily an office-based role due to its collaborative nature

About the Role

Reporting to the HR & Payroll Manager, you will work closely with the business leaders and employees across the business. Payroll is a highly trusted function within our business, and we are looking for someone who is professional, collaborative, and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes.

You will play a key role in ensuring payroll is processed accurately and on time for our nationwide workforce of approximately 800 employees across 18 branches operating 24/7.

You will also support our small People & Culture team, contributing across HR administration and workforce initiatives in a collaborative and respectful way that supports our diverse workforce.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll

End-to-end fortnightly payroll processing (wages and salaries)

Manage employee changes, leave, allowances, deductions, and adjustments

Ensure accurate payroll reconciliations, reporting, and IRD filings

Respond to payroll queries with professionalism and discretion

Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure compliance with NZ legislation

Support audit preparation and payroll compliance documentation

Manage relationships with external stakeholders (IRD, MOJ, MSD, MBIE, ACC, and agencies)

Maintain accurate payroll integration records, supporting onboarding, offboarding, and final pay processing

Reporting & Systems

Prepare payroll and workforce reports and insights

Develop and maintain reporting dashboards

Support improvements to payroll systems, processes, and documentation

Workforce Planning & HR Support

Support workforce planning and staffing forecasts

Review and process hiring requests in line with budget requirements

Manage PPE allocation, employee access cards (security tags), and access control records

Liaise with temporary labour agencies

Train people leaders on roster management, leave approvals, and system use

Maintain employee records in compliance with the Privacy Act 2020

Provide HR support during non-pay weeks

Contribute to HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives

About You

You are an experienced payroll professional who takes pride in accuracy, reliability, and ownership of your work. You remain calm under pressure, are highly organised, and bring a strong service-first mindset.

Just as importantly, you are a team player — approachable, flexible, and willing to pitch in. You demonstrate respect for diversity and contribute positively to an inclusive, supportive team environment, bringing a no-ego, service-first attitude to your work.

What You Will Bring

A tertiary qualification in business, administration, or accounting

3+ years’ NZ payroll experience

HR Advisory expereince is an added advantage

Proven end-to-end payroll processing experience

Experience with payroll systems – Ready Workforce (RWF) / Zambion highly desirable

Strong knowledge of NZ payroll legislation (Holidays Act, PAYE, KiwiSaver)

Experience in complex payroll environments (e.g. shift workers, allowances)

Strong Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, charts etc.)

High attention to detail and strong analytical capability

Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment

Professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

* Excellent written and verbal English, with confidence facilitating Teams sessions and training people leaders

How to Apply

If you believe you have what it takes, please submit your CV and a cover letter online, outlining why you are the right fit for this role.

We expect to contact shortlisted candidates within 10–12 working days.

Pre-employment checks: Shortlisted applicants will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including employment references, a credit check, and a Ministry of Justice criminal conviction check.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold NZ citizenship, residency, or a valid work visa.