Senior Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Reporting to the People & Culture Manager, this position will work closely with People & Culture, Finance and operational leaders, providing expertise across governance, reporting, and operational processes while ensuring compliance with New Zealand legislation. This role will define what best practice looks like and lead the implementation of change across any payroll processes as required.

Key responsibilities:

• Designing and implementing payroll controls and governance frameworks.
• Enhancing documentation, processes, and system usage.
• Working closely with internal stakeholders to embed change into BAU.
• Monitoring, researching, and analysing payroll legislation, tax law and superannuation regulations.
• Providing clear, actionable compliance guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Developing and maintaining compliance documentation, including compliance matrices.
• Acting as a subject matter expert on payroll compliance.

Qualifications

• Recognised payroll certification from an approved body preferred.
• Subject matter expert across Success Factors and SAP (EC /ECP) beneficial.

Experience:

• 4+ years of payroll processing experience in a medium to large organisation.
• Exposure to controls, governance, reporting and legislation best practice.
• Proven ability to interpret and implement complex payroll legislation in New Zealand.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with a collaborative approach.
• A delivery focused mindset with high attention to detail.
• Proven ability to design and implement end to end process improvements.

Additional Information

• Residential role, live and work in the stunning region of Otago, NZ
• 9-day fortnight roster - 5 on, 2 off, 4 on, 3 off, 7:00am - 4:30pm
• Dunedin City office location
• Competitive salary + bonus scheme
• Discounts on retail and services
• Free Southern Cross Healthcare Insurance
• Monthly health and wellbeing allowance
• Living Our Values recognition program
• Physiotherapist sessions
• Study assistance
• Access to OceanaGold Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Exceptional working environment where people are valued and respected

**Applications close 22 July 2026. Shortlisting will commence immediately.

YOU MATTER: OceanaGold is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We believe a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. Should you require any assistance applying for this opportunity, please contact us at [email protected]