Payroll and Assurance Manager

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Mō te tūnga | About the role
• At the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), we serve with purpose — supporting our people at home and abroad. With a workforce that spans both Military and Civilian personnel, our payroll environment is as unique as our mission.We're looking for an experienced and forward-thinking
• Payroll and Assurance Manager
• to lead our payroll operations and drive continuous improvement across systems, processes, and people. This is a key leadership position within the greater People Services team.You'll be responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of payroll services, maintaining compliance with all relevant legislation, and leading a high-performing team through change and optimisation.You'll work closely with internal stakeholders, including Audit, Finance, and HR, to ensure payroll integrity, manage risk, and support strategic initiatives.What you'll be doing :
• Leading and mentoring a team of payroll professionals, fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and service excellence.
• Ensuring full compliance with payroll legislation, policies, and internal controls.
• Collaborating with Audit and Risk teams to proactively manage compliance and mitigate risks.
• Driving continuous improvement and system optimisation across payroll processes.
• Supporting the delivery of complex payroll services for both Military and Civilian personnel across New Zealand and deployed locations globally.
• Contributing to strategic planning and workforce initiatives within the broader DHR function.
• Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
• To be successful in this role, you will bring :
• 5–10 years' experience in a senior specialist payroll role within a large or complex organisation.
• Proven strong leadership experience, with a focus on coaching, mentoring, and team development.
• Deep understanding of New Zealand payroll legislation and best practice.
• Experience working with auditing, compliance, and risk frameworks.
• A continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify and implement system and process enhancements.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.We would like to complete interviews and finalise the appointment by the end of the year. We're are happy to accommodate a start date in January 2026.
• Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
• Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the .NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.
• Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
• Applications close on
• Wednesday 5 November 2025
• .Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.
• Please Note :
• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.NZDF Employees / Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.
• Please Note :
• To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know : Low Level Security Clearance
• You
• must
• be a New Zealand citizen
• or
• you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence
• or
• have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you
• must
• hold New Zealand Permanent Residence
• or
• have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa,
• and
• you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.| Location : | Wellington - Wairarapa |

#J-18808-Ljbffr