"Payroll Advisor"

Job Description:

• Join a high-performing, supportive payroll team
• Work with modern HRIS, payroll & reporting tools
• Make an impact through process improvement

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Advisor to join our small but highly effective payroll team at the University of Waikato. This role is critical to ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of payroll services for our staff while maintaining compliance with statutory requirements and internal policies.

Working within the People & Capability division, you will provide end-to-end payroll processing, investigate and resolve payroll queries, and contribute to the continuous improvement of payroll systems and processes. You will collaborate closely with HR, Finance and other stakeholders, while also acting as a subject matter expert within the team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Processing end-to-end payroll accurately and within scheduled pay cycles
• Ensuring compliance with employment legislation, tax and statutory requirements
• Investigating and resolving payroll discrepancies and employee queries
• Preparing payroll reports and supporting audits using Ascender, Power BI and Excel
• Maintaining payroll systems, testing updates and supporting system improvements
• Working collaboratively across People & Capability, HR and Finance on payroll-related activities and projects

Salary will be in the range of $73,235 to $87,024 per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time, permanent role (37.5 hours per week) based on our Hillcrest Campus in Hamilton.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Mel Frew, Payroll Manager, at mel.frew@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are an experienced payroll professional who thrives in a collaborative team environment and enjoys working with complex payroll systems and processes. You bring strong attention to detail, excellent analytical capability, and a commitment to delivering accurate and high-quality payroll services.

You will also have:

• At least 5 years’ experience in a complex payroll environment
• Proven experience delivering end-to-end payroll processing
• Experience with payroll and HRIS systems (ideally Ascender and Oracle HCM)
• Strong capability in pay calculations, including complex scenarios such as redundancy, retirement and adjustments
• Experience preparing payroll reports and working with Excel and reporting tools such as Power BI
• Excellent communication skills and a strong focus on customer service
• The ability to identify improvements and contribute to continuous process improvement

A tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance or a related field, or equivalent experience, is required. New Zealand Payroll Professional certification would be advantageous.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The People & Capability division supports the University’s people through services including recruitment, human resources, organisational development, payroll, employment relations, and safety and wellness.

At the University of Waikato, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our motto Ko te Tangata – For the People, we are committed to creating an environment where staff can thrive and contribute to a globally connected and innovative university.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on March 29, 2026

Requisition number: 1003523