Job Description
Full job description
Discover a career with purpose at MBIE
Discover a career with purpose at MBIE
Two permanent positions available
Join a supportive and collaborative Employment Practices team
Wellington based opportunities within MBIE's People and Culture branch
Salary range: $68,380- $77,359 plus KiwiSaver and wellness benefits depending on experience
Tenei turanga - About the Role:
We have two exciting opportunities to join MBIE's Employment Practices team as Payroll Specialists. Whether you're looking to start or grow your career in payroll or you're an experienced professional ready for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
As a Payroll Specialist, you'll provide confidential, accurate, and timely payroll services for all MBIE employees. You'll work collaboratively within a busy team environment, ensuring processes are documented and audited at all times. This role offers variety and exposure across the end-to-end lifecycle of an employee's journey through MBIE.
Entry Level: Ideal for someone keen to learn and establish a career in payroll. You'll gain exposure to payroll systems, reporting, and compliance processes, along with learning knowledge of payroll legislation. Expected entry salary $68K-70K.
Experienced: You'll bring a strong understanding of New Zealand payroll legislation, including the Holidays Act, and proven experience managing complex payroll processes in a large organisation. You'll also be confident using payroll systems and advanced Excel functions to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Both roles require excellent attention to detail, a customer-focused approach, and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required
For both roles:
Strong administration and accurate data entry skills with attention to detail
Ability to prioritise workload, multi-task, and meet deadlines
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Customer service focus and reputation for delivering high-quality work
Comfortable working with confidential information and maintaining discretion
Must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand
Entry Level:
Basic understanding of payroll processes or willingness to learn
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
Ability to learn and navigate payroll systems quickly
Strong numerical and analytical skills
Experienced:
Minimum of 2 years' payroll experience in a large, complex environment
Intermediate Excel skills
Proven experience using payroll software (e.g., SAP or similar)
Strong understanding of New Zealand payroll legislation, including the Holidays Act
Ability to interpret and apply complex contractual agreements
Experience with auditing payroll processes and ensuring compliance
Familiarity with reporting and reconciliation processes
Etahi korero mo MBIE - About MBIE:
MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.
We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.
People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.
Mahi Tahi - Better Together
Maia - Bold and brave
Pae Kahurangi - Build our Future
Pono Me Te Tika - Own It
Our aspirations are echoed in our Maori identity - Hikina Whakatutuki - which broadly means `lifting to make successful'.
MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Maori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Maori, other Maori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Maori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Maori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.
E mohio ana a Hikina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kotuinga I waenganui i a ngai Maori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a, kei te whai ia ki te whakau ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ma te whai kiko o nga kotuinga ahungaroa o ngai wi, o ngai Maori, me etahi atu ropu Maori ki te Karauna, katutuki tenei. He ahuatanga nui tenei e ahei ai nga mahi whanaketanga a-ohanga, a-papori hoki ki a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui. E whai tonu ana matou ki te kotui atu ki nga iwi mo te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i nga kaupapakua roa nei e tami ana i a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui, a, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i nga aheinga kokiritanga ma nga iwi, me te tautoko i nga iwi kia whai mana ake ai enei aheinga.
Me pehea te tono - How to Apply:
Click here to view a position description.
All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role. In your Cover Letter, please indicate whether you are applying for the Experienced Payroll Specialist position or the Entry Level Payroll Specialist position.
Email Danielle Plane at Danielle.Plane2@mbie.govt.nz if you have any further questions.
Applications close on 11 January 2026 (midnight). Please note, queries will not be monitored over the Christmas break, but queries will be responded to as soon as possible in the new year.
Discover a career with purpose at MBIE
Discover a career with purpose at MBIE
Two permanent positions available
Join a supportive and collaborative Employment Practices team
Wellington based opportunities within MBIE's People and Culture branch
Salary range: $68,380- $77,359 plus KiwiSaver and wellness benefits depending on experience
Tenei turanga - About the Role:
We have two exciting opportunities to join MBIE's Employment Practices team as Payroll Specialists. Whether you're looking to start or grow your career in payroll or you're an experienced professional ready for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
As a Payroll Specialist, you'll provide confidential, accurate, and timely payroll services for all MBIE employees. You'll work collaboratively within a busy team environment, ensuring processes are documented and audited at all times. This role offers variety and exposure across the end-to-end lifecycle of an employee's journey through MBIE.
Entry Level: Ideal for someone keen to learn and establish a career in payroll. You'll gain exposure to payroll systems, reporting, and compliance processes, along with learning knowledge of payroll legislation. Expected entry salary $68K-70K.
Experienced: You'll bring a strong understanding of New Zealand payroll legislation, including the Holidays Act, and proven experience managing complex payroll processes in a large organisation. You'll also be confident using payroll systems and advanced Excel functions to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Both roles require excellent attention to detail, a customer-focused approach, and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required
For both roles:
Strong administration and accurate data entry skills with attention to detail
Ability to prioritise workload, multi-task, and meet deadlines
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Customer service focus and reputation for delivering high-quality work
Comfortable working with confidential information and maintaining discretion
Must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand
Entry Level:
Basic understanding of payroll processes or willingness to learn
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
Ability to learn and navigate payroll systems quickly
Strong numerical and analytical skills
Experienced:
Minimum of 2 years' payroll experience in a large, complex environment
Intermediate Excel skills
Proven experience using payroll software (e.g., SAP or similar)
Strong understanding of New Zealand payroll legislation, including the Holidays Act
Ability to interpret and apply complex contractual agreements
Experience with auditing payroll processes and ensuring compliance
Familiarity with reporting and reconciliation processes
Etahi korero mo MBIE - About MBIE:
MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.
We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.
People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.
Mahi Tahi - Better Together
Maia - Bold and brave
Pae Kahurangi - Build our Future
Pono Me Te Tika - Own It
Our aspirations are echoed in our Maori identity - Hikina Whakatutuki - which broadly means `lifting to make successful'.
MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Maori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Maori, other Maori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Maori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Maori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.
E mohio ana a Hikina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kotuinga I waenganui i a ngai Maori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a, kei te whai ia ki te whakau ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ma te whai kiko o nga kotuinga ahungaroa o ngai wi, o ngai Maori, me etahi atu ropu Maori ki te Karauna, katutuki tenei. He ahuatanga nui tenei e ahei ai nga mahi whanaketanga a-ohanga, a-papori hoki ki a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui. E whai tonu ana matou ki te kotui atu ki nga iwi mo te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i nga kaupapakua roa nei e tami ana i a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui, a, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i nga aheinga kokiritanga ma nga iwi, me te tautoko i nga iwi kia whai mana ake ai enei aheinga.
Me pehea te tono - How to Apply:
Click here to view a position description.
All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role. In your Cover Letter, please indicate whether you are applying for the Experienced Payroll Specialist position or the Entry Level Payroll Specialist position.
Email Danielle Plane at Danielle.Plane2@mbie.govt.nz if you have any further questions.
Applications close on 11 January 2026 (midnight). Please note, queries will not be monitored over the Christmas break, but queries will be responded to as soon as possible in the new year.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Payroll Specialist position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal 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 Legal Jobs is a plus.
