Payroll Consultant - 6 month fixed term until 31st December 2026

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Join the University of Auckland as a Payroll Consultant on a six month fixed term to 31 December 2026, supporting a fortnightly payroll for 8,000 to 9,000 staff across faculties and service divisions. You’ll manage end to end payroll, ledgers, deductions, compliance with NZ legislation, and resolution of complex issues, collaborating with diverse stakeholders while upholding accuracy in a high volume environment. The ideal start date is 1 July 2026. To apply, tailor your CV and cover letter to showcase broad payroll experience, NZ payroll legislation, Apay or similar systems, data integrity, and a track record of continuous improvement. Applications close 30 June 2025.

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6,000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.  We have six academic faculties and a number of service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

The University of Auckland creates globally transformative impacts through our distinctive strengths in world-leading research, scholarship, teaching, and collaborative partnerships, inspired by our unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific. 

Our mission and values place strong emphasis on both our student body and our scholarly community, and we work with both communities and enterprises to advance the well-being of the people of Auckland and New Zealand, with a clear commitment to sustainability.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As a Payroll Consultant, you'll become part of a highly respected, customer-focused team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and delivering excellence. This is an opportunity to further develop your payroll expertise in a large-scale environment where your knowledge and contribution genuinely make a difference.

The University processes a fortnightly payroll for approximately 8,000–9,000 permanent, fixed-term, and casual employees. As part of this team, you will either manage a significant section of a large portfolio or take full ownership of a mid-sized portfolio, overseeing the end-to-end payroll cycle.

Your responsibilities will include payroll processing and finalisation, general ledger reconciliations, deductions management, compliance activities, and the resolution of complex payroll issues. You'll work closely with Faculties and Service Divisions across the University, providing expert advice and ensuring payroll services are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with relevant legislation.

We're looking for someone who enjoys problem-solving, has strong analytical skills, and can confidently interpret data integrity reports and complex payroll scenarios. You'll be proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing competing priorities in a high-volume environment.

This role will require a flexible, proactive approach to be successful.

Ideal start date 1st July 2026

Nga Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills

• Proven payroll experience across a broad range of payroll processing activities
• Strong understanding of New Zealand payroll legislation and associated HR processes
• Experience ensuring compliance with legislation including the Holidays Act, Wages Protection Act, Employment Relations Act, ACC Act, and Immigration Act
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience using Apay or a similar payroll system (training on Apay will be provided)
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in a high-volume environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• The ability to build effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders
• A collaborative approach while also being confident working independently
• A commitment to continuous improvement and finding better ways of working

And finally, an interest in continuous improvement, we are always looking at ways to make things better and improve processes

For more information on the role, please view the position description.  

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent role

The salary range for this role is $63,600 - $79,300 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and several other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information,please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of 30th June 2025, and include an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining what strengths you will bring to this role.

If you have any questions about this role, please get in touch with Sharon Kishore via [email protected] for a confidential discussion. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz