Payroll Officer

Responsibilities

• Play a key role ensuring staff are paid accurately and on time
• Provide trusted payroll advice and support across the organisation
• Join a values‑driven team focused on accuracy, service, and collaboration

Support accurate, timely payroll for our people while helping improve processes and delivering exceptional service across the organisation

The Payroll Officer provides efficient, accurate, and responsive payroll services that support the organisation’s goals, values, and culture. This role is responsible for timely processing of wages and salaries in line with employment arrangements and legislation, offering guidance to staff on payroll queries, and ensuring data is entered and maintained to a high standard. As new payroll system components roll out across Ara, the Payroll Officer will support colleagues in their use, contribute to continuous process improvements, and deliver professional, accurate reporting.

This role plays a key part in ensuring staff are paid correctly, on time, and with excellent customer service.

• Level 5 or 6 Qualification in a relevant field or relevant experience
• Payroll qualification/accreditation
• Possess a good sense of humour coupled with a patient attitude and an excellent work ethic
• Strong interpersonal skills contributing to confident communication and positive relationship building
• Excellent active listening skills
• Active and collaborative team player
• Discretion, integrity and absolute adherence to the principles of confidentiality and privacy

Ara Institute of Canterbury is a vibrant and progressive tertiary institute providing world‑class, tertiary‑level education throughout the Canterbury and Waitaki region. Our talented employees, innovative business collaborators and supportive community partners are passionate about the role they play in our learners' success.

Ara is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and delivering services in a manner that responds with excellence to the needs of Māori learners and their whānau, as well as the aspirations of iwi and Māori communities throughout our catchment (including Māori employers). To deliver effectively on this commitment, Ara recognises the need for a culturally competent and confident workforce vertically and horizontally across our organization

We accept applications via our online application system. For any other queries, please email Recruitment.nz.