Senior Payroll Specialist

Do you have an analytical mind and are process orientated? Have you got excellent management skills and are proactive with a desire to learn?

We are experiencing a period of significant transformation and growth. We bring together two of the South Pacific’s top shipping and logistics companies to support the full supply chain of our customers in the region. Delivering legendary service, we pride ourselves on the ability to provide regular and reliable shipping services to the Pacific Islands. Our team provides our customers with efficient, responsive, and professional services while embracing our core values.

As our Senior Payroll Specialist, you’ll be at the helm of payroll operations across an exciting international footprint—spanning Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Tonga. You’ll take charge of ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for over 650 employees across nine diverse pay groups. Partnering closely with our Finance and HR teams, you'll be the go-to expert for driving smooth, efficient payroll systems that meet both company standards and global compliance. Reporting to the AVP Human Resources, International, this is your chance to make a real impact in a role where precision meets purpose.

You will be responsible for Payroll Operations and for Process Improvement & Compliance, namely:

• Take charge of seamless weekly, fortnightly, and monthly payroll cycles—ensuring every employee is paid accurately, on time, and in line with employment laws and company standards.
• Work across a variety of payroll platforms including PayGlobal, ADP Payline, Datacom, Rosterkey, and others—especially as we evolve through mergers, acquisitions, and system upgrades.
• Balance payroll runs like a pro and prepare fully reconciled compliance reports with precision.
• Create insightful reports for business units and departments, including leave tracking, tax summaries, and workforce analytics.
• Prepare, review, and process everything from timesheets and biometrics to bonuses and one-off payments.
• Set up new employees, handle payroll adjustments, and ensure smooth and accurate offboarding.
• Manage off-cycle payments, voids, and reissues with speed and accuracy.
• Execute all quarterly and year-end payroll responsibilities to ensure seamless financial reporting.
• Ensure timely submission of tax returns, superannuation, insurance, vendor payments, and workers’ compensation.

Here’s what you’ll bring to the table:

• 5+ years of end-to-end payroll expertise within a fast-paced, multinational environment.
• Proven experience managing complex international payrolls (including salaried and rostered shiftwork) across the Pacific Islands—this is essential.
• First-hand experience in the shipping industry—you know the ins and outs of maritime payroll needs.
• Deep expertise with payroll platforms, especially Datacom and PayGlobal—you're the go-to person when it comes to system know-how.
• Strong grasp of both local and international payroll regulations, tax compliance, and statutory obligations.
• A relevant tertiary qualification that backs up your practical skills.
• A proactive, team-oriented mindset with the flexibility to support a high-performing NZ-based payroll function.
• Hands-on experience with multiple systems, including PayGlobal, ADP Payline, Datacom, PayDay, Rosterkey, Oracle, and Inspyrus.
• Laser-sharp attention to detail with the analytical mindset to troubleshoot and solve complex payroll challenges.
• Confident working independently and owning payroll cycles from start to finish—accuracy and timeliness are your trademarks.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office tools and HR systems, with the ability to leverage tech for smarter processes.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills—you're skilled at juggling priorities and meeting tight deadlines.
• Top-notch communication skills—you explain the complex simply and professionally, both in writing and in person.
• A high level of discretion—you know how to handle sensitive payroll and employee data with integrity and care.

This role is a full-time permanent role based in Mangere, Auckland working a minimum of 37-40 hours a week Monday to Friday. You will have the right to live and work in New Zealand at the time of applying. The successful candidate may be subject to undergo a Police Check and/or Pre-Employment Drug Test.

Our Contribution:

• Competitive benefits package (salary plus bonus).
• Hybrid working model.
• Opportunity for development and internal mobility.
• Wonderful Giving (wonderfulgiving.com) - allowing you to donate company money to a cause of your choice.
• Project Wonderful - Staff spend a day in the community helping with various projects.
• Company focused on wellness and health.

Are you a payroll powerhouse with a passion for precision and compliance? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your expertise makes a real difference? If so, we want to hear from you!