Payroll Specialist

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Meridian Energy is seeking a Payroll Specialist to deliver accurate end-to-end payroll for the Meridian Group, provide expert payroll advice, ensure compliance with NZ legislation, and partner with the Payroll Manager and People Team to drive continual improvements. The role is full-time onsite in Christchurch, with flexible options where possible. You’ll need proven end-to-end payroll experience, solid knowledge of NZ payroll legislation including the Holidays Act, meticulous data accuracy, strong Excel skills, and the ability to meet tight deadlines while building trusted relationships. In return, Meridian offers a competitive package, wellbeing and parental leave benefits, enhanced leave, KiwiSaver, an employee share scheme, and learning opportunities. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight relevant payroll work, cite concrete examples of on-time payments and process improvements, and demonstrate alignment with Meridian’s values.

Company Description

Mai te hiku ki te taurapa, whitikina e te rā      
From the tail of the fish to the tail of the waka, shines the sun      

This whakataukī speaks to our journey across Aotearoa, one waka, one purpose, powered by the natural forces that sustain us. Meridian is Aotearoa’s largest renewable electricity producer, generating energy from the winds of Tāwhirimātea, the waters of Tangaroa, and the warmth of Tama-nui-te-rā. 

Together, our two brands, Meridian and Powershop retail electricity to more than 400,000 homes, businesses and farms across New Zealand. Now that’s a pretty impressive combo!      

We’re committed to making energy cleaner and cheaper for Aotearoa New Zealand. Our retail structure uses empowered teams focused on delivering value to customers. The way we work is as important as the work itself, guided by our values and key behaviours: ‘Make people awesome’, ‘Set your compass on customers’, and ‘Progress over perfection’.  

Mō te tūranga | What you’ll be doing   

• Delivering accurate, timely end‑to‑end payroll processing for the Meridian Group, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time.
• Providing expert payroll advice to managers, employees and the People Team on payroll queries, calculations and legislative requirements.
• Supporting payroll compliance across the Group, including tax, statutory reporting and external agency requirements (e.g. IRD, ACC).
• Maintaining the integrity of payroll and financial data across payroll systems, general ledger and reporting tools.
• Working closely with the Payroll Manager and People Team to identify and drive continuous improvement in payroll processes, controls and systems.

Ngā painga ki a mātou | What we can offer  

We value work/life balance, so our WFH and flexible work options (where possible) make things easier for you and your whānau. We also offer:   

• An attractive and competitive salary package that’s reviewed annually, performance incentives, plus discounts from several partnerships.   
• Southern Cross Healthcare - Wellbeing One insurance, a funded scheme for eligible employees to give you that extra peace of mind.     
• Enhanced leave provisions: three company-paid days (over the holiday period), enhanced parental leave and options to buy up to 12 days of additional leave.   
• Life, trauma and income protection insurance (which we hope you won’t need!).   
• Enhanced KiwiSaver contributions.    
• Access to the Meridian employee share scheme.   
• Excellent learning and development opportunities, we want you to be the best version of yourself, and we'll help you get there!    
• Award-winning wellbeing programme that provides support whenever and wherever you need it.    
• Employee discounts off your power with Meridian, every bit counts.   
• A one-off $400 payment to support your work-from-home set-up (if needed).

Ngā pukenga kei a koe mō tenei tūranga | What you’ll bring   

• Proven experience in end‑to‑end payroll administration and processing, with a strong understanding of payroll systems, preferably PayGlobal.
• Sound knowledge of New Zealand payroll legislation, including the Holidays Act, payroll tax requirements and employment law.
• High attention to detail and strong numerical accuracy, with the ability to manage complex payroll calculations.
• Confidence working with Microsoft Excel and Office tools, and the ability to quickly learn new systems and processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and deliver clear, practical advice in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent time‑management skills and the ability to meet tight payroll deadlines while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Commitment to Meridian’s values: Be gutsy, Be a good human, Be in the waka. 

Tono mai ināianei tonu | Apply now    

We see energy as mauri the life force that connects people and place. Joining Meridian means contributing to kaitiakitanga, caring for the environment and future generations while empowering communities to flourish.

We’re a team that believes in being in the waka together supporting each other, celebrating our wins, and learning from our challenges. You’ll be encouraged to show tū maia, to be bold, curious, and authentic in your mahi, and to practice rangatiratanga by leading with integrity and purpose, no matter your role.

At Meridian, we embrace diversity and inclusion, knowing that different perspectives make us stronger. We encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to work mind, heart, and spirit — because that’s what being a good human truly means.

 If you’ve got any questions, please email [email protected]. We're committed to becoming more accessible and providing support if needed. Please get in touch if there are parts of our process you would like assistance with (process found here meridianenergy.co.nz/careers), we’re more than happy to help. 

To view the full position description please click here (link to PDF) 

Location – Christchurch

Advertising closes 22 February 2026 (please note this is subject to change)