Job Description
Join our diverse and talented people and work at the heart of national security, providing essential intelligence to the NZ government to protect New Zealand and its people.
Mō te tūranga mahi – about the role
As a Payroll Advisor, you will join a close‑knit, supportive team that looks after the payroll needs of our two agencies while upholding the strict security standards of the NZIC.
Working side by side with the other advisors in the team, you will maintain accurate payroll records, process payments efficiently and ensure everything stays compliant. Your enthusiasm for innovation will be welcomed as you help the team roll out digital enhancements, smarter procedures and robust governance that keep payroll reliable today and ready for tomorrow’s challenges. As one of the go‑to experts for payroll queries, you will work with colleagues to translate complex issues into simple, actionable advice for our stakeholders.
Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to work on projects that upgrade our technology, streamline workflows and encourage ongoing learning, all within a supportive, team‑focused culture.
Day to day, your responsibilities may include:
End to end payroll processing and compliance – all the good stuff that you, as a payroll professional, know and love along with the added responsibilities of the security and classification obligations required of the NZIC
Systems, projects and continuous improvement – with a ‘digital first’ approach to task execution, process simplification, solution design and continuous improvement, this role will contribute to modernising our processes, setting and achieving goals that take our service to the business forward and championing a culture of continuous learning
Advisory and stakeholder engagement – providing a customer centric payroll service, responsible for responding to a variety of customer queries, cross functional collaboration across the agencies and ‘right first time’ communications
Ko wai koe – about you
You are a natural communicator who makes complicated topics easy to grasp, while consistently delivering customer service that exceeds expectations.
You will bring along your:
A human centric approach, with an ability to blend head and heart with science and art – the ability to deliver excellent payroll services with care and empathy!
The ability to adapt to a highly unique working environment and security requirements
Detailed experience with complex payroll environments such as collective agreements, allowances, rosters/shift workers and remediation programmes
Comprehensive working knowledge of all relevant NZ legislation, such as the Holidays Act 2003, Employment Relations act, KiwiSaver Act, Parental Leave Act, Inland Revenue requirements
Excellent diagnostic, analytical and problem-solving skills
NZPPA Certification – minimum ‘Payroll Practitioner’ - ‘Payroll Specialist’ level desirable or willingness to complete your certifications.
The expected appointing range for this position is: $87,048 - $92,851.
Why work for us
Alongside getting to work alongside our talented people, we also offer a range of comprehensive benefits which include:
Medical Insurance and Vision Care packages
Enhanced employer contributions to your Kiwisaver
Generous Leave benefits, including additional paid days off and enhanced sick and parental leave
Childcare allowance for your preschoolers
Onsite free gym (Wellington only)
Opportunities for personal and professional growth and career pathways across the intelligence community
Before you apply
Working within our unique environment means we have to ensure you're eligible for employment.
You must:
Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years
OR
Hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years
Be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance
Ordinarily, this means you'll have a 15 year checkable background in countries NZSIS Vetting can make meaningful and reliable checks.
Still unsure? Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a TSS security clearance: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool
The NZIC treats all applications for employment in the strictest confidence and we expect that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality during the recruitment process and throughout your career.
We'll provide you with information and tips throughout the recruitment process, but in the meantime check out our Myth Busting booklet: What to expect | Beyond Ordinary Careers
You can also learn more about our work and understand our areas of focus by reading New Zealand's Security Threat Environment | New Zealand Security Intelligence Service
Job Details
Reference #
9755
Location(s)
Wellington
Salary
Band G $87,048 (90%) - $111,228 (115%)
Midpoint of the salary range (100%) reflects full competence in the role
Closes on
12 May 2026 23:55
Work type(s)
Permanent full-time
Job level(s)
Experienced
Expertise
Administration/Support, Customer Service, Finance, Human Resources
Mō te tūranga mahi – about the role
As a Payroll Advisor, you will join a close‑knit, supportive team that looks after the payroll needs of our two agencies while upholding the strict security standards of the NZIC.
Working side by side with the other advisors in the team, you will maintain accurate payroll records, process payments efficiently and ensure everything stays compliant. Your enthusiasm for innovation will be welcomed as you help the team roll out digital enhancements, smarter procedures and robust governance that keep payroll reliable today and ready for tomorrow’s challenges. As one of the go‑to experts for payroll queries, you will work with colleagues to translate complex issues into simple, actionable advice for our stakeholders.
Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to work on projects that upgrade our technology, streamline workflows and encourage ongoing learning, all within a supportive, team‑focused culture.
Day to day, your responsibilities may include:
End to end payroll processing and compliance – all the good stuff that you, as a payroll professional, know and love along with the added responsibilities of the security and classification obligations required of the NZIC
Systems, projects and continuous improvement – with a ‘digital first’ approach to task execution, process simplification, solution design and continuous improvement, this role will contribute to modernising our processes, setting and achieving goals that take our service to the business forward and championing a culture of continuous learning
Advisory and stakeholder engagement – providing a customer centric payroll service, responsible for responding to a variety of customer queries, cross functional collaboration across the agencies and ‘right first time’ communications
Ko wai koe – about you
You are a natural communicator who makes complicated topics easy to grasp, while consistently delivering customer service that exceeds expectations.
You will bring along your:
A human centric approach, with an ability to blend head and heart with science and art – the ability to deliver excellent payroll services with care and empathy!
The ability to adapt to a highly unique working environment and security requirements
Detailed experience with complex payroll environments such as collective agreements, allowances, rosters/shift workers and remediation programmes
Comprehensive working knowledge of all relevant NZ legislation, such as the Holidays Act 2003, Employment Relations act, KiwiSaver Act, Parental Leave Act, Inland Revenue requirements
Excellent diagnostic, analytical and problem-solving skills
NZPPA Certification – minimum ‘Payroll Practitioner’ - ‘Payroll Specialist’ level desirable or willingness to complete your certifications.
The expected appointing range for this position is: $87,048 - $92,851.
Why work for us
Alongside getting to work alongside our talented people, we also offer a range of comprehensive benefits which include:
Medical Insurance and Vision Care packages
Enhanced employer contributions to your Kiwisaver
Generous Leave benefits, including additional paid days off and enhanced sick and parental leave
Childcare allowance for your preschoolers
Onsite free gym (Wellington only)
Opportunities for personal and professional growth and career pathways across the intelligence community
Before you apply
Working within our unique environment means we have to ensure you're eligible for employment.
You must:
Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years
OR
Hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years
Be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance
Ordinarily, this means you'll have a 15 year checkable background in countries NZSIS Vetting can make meaningful and reliable checks.
Still unsure? Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a TSS security clearance: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool
The NZIC treats all applications for employment in the strictest confidence and we expect that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality during the recruitment process and throughout your career.
We'll provide you with information and tips throughout the recruitment process, but in the meantime check out our Myth Busting booklet: What to expect | Beyond Ordinary Careers
You can also learn more about our work and understand our areas of focus by reading New Zealand's Security Threat Environment | New Zealand Security Intelligence Service
Job Details
Reference #
9755
Location(s)
Wellington
Salary
Band G $87,048 (90%) - $111,228 (115%)
Midpoint of the salary range (100%) reflects full competence in the role
Closes on
12 May 2026 23:55
Work type(s)
Permanent full-time
Job level(s)
Experienced
Expertise
Administration/Support, Customer Service, Finance, Human Resources
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Payroll Advisor position is now open for candidates interested in the Human Resource (HR) Jobs sector. This role in Wellington offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Human Resource (HR) Jobs is a plus.
