Chief Advisor, Payroll Compliance

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

• Fixed-term role, until 2027
• Wellington-based

The Chief Advisor provides thought leadership, subject matter expertise, strategic advice and governance support that is integral to the Ministry’s approach to fulfilling its payroll obligations for the school sector.

This role contributes to the delivery of key objectives and outcomes of historic Holidays Act remediation in a complex and specialised environment, is a key driver of best practice improvement and supports the governance function of the Schools Payroll Remediation Programme through the Steering Group and decision-making required by the Senior Responsible Officer and Sponsor. This includes the provision of advice relating to the technical application of employment leave legislation, legislative reform, stakeholder engagement and change required to payroll practices and delivery to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.

Across Government agencies, this role is responsible for creating and contributing to materials which represent the Ministry’s position in relation to future employment related legislative change and is required to articulate the impact and management strategies for change in current and future schooling environments.

Salary range: $165,065 - $200,653 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role, you will require the expertise and capability to provide a strategic outlook to the Ministry’s objectives and bring wider industry experience to provide new and contextual insights in a unique schooling sector employment environment.

You will be comfortable working in collaboration with others across Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, the schooling sector and with payroll providers to develop, deliver and progressively improve payroll outcomes.

You will also have the following:

• Deep knowledge and understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to relevant legislation for the education workforce.
• Senior payroll leadership experience within a complex workforce payroll environment, leading the ideation, implementation, monitoring and improvement of organisational payroll systems, frameworks and processes.
• Proven ability to drive organisational change aligned to strategic priorities that delivers intended outcomes through developing and delivering integrated strategic and operational plans.
• Experience building and leading inclusive internal and external relationships by creating a safe, open and responsive culture.
• Experience working with education sector specific legislation and with broader legislative change processes.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga | Education Workforce leads the sector workforce employment relations, the relationship with the schools payroll provider and holds the responsibility for bargaining. We advance the education workforce strategy, including a focus on specialist services, employment relations, pay equity, education payroll, supply and scholarship functions.

The schools payroll is the largest in New Zealand, with an average of 100,000 school employees paid every fortnight. The Schools Payroll Remediation Programme is addressing areas of legislative and contractual non-compliance in the schools payroll.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Sarah Martin, Manager Schools Payroll Remediation and Pay Equity for more information at sarah.martin2@education.govt.nz

Please apply online as applications via email will not be considered.

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 2 November 2025  

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.