Payroll Manager

Overview

The University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand invites applications for a Payroll Manager on a full-time, fixed-term basis of 12 months, covering a parental leave period. This leadership role is pivotal for managing payroll functions across a large and diverse staff base of approximately 4,000 to 4,500 employees, including permanent, fixed-term, and casual workers. The position is campus-based and operates 37.5 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide confident leadership and development support to a payroll team of around 10 specialists and support staff.
• Ensure accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of fortnightly payroll operations.
• Maintain payroll compliance involving PAYE, audit, and quality assurance standards.
• Oversee payroll risk management, including controls, reporting, and business continuity protocols.
• Facilitate the efficient use of PeopleSoft and related payroll systems during ongoing business as usual operations.
• Collaborate closely with People and Culture, Digital, Finance teams, auditors, and external advisors.
• Offer practical leadership during a period of significant HR and finance system transformation toward Workday, while supporting the team in the current PeopleSoft environment.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an experienced payroll professional adept at balancing technical expertise with operational and people leadership. Experience working within a large, complex organization—whether corporate, tertiary, public sector, health, local government, or shared services—is essential. The candidate must possess strong knowledge of payroll legislation, PAYE processes, audit and compliance requirements, and have familiarity with major payroll or HRMS platforms such as PeopleSoft, Oracle, or Workday. Leadership style should be calm, practical, and collaborative, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders effectively and foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture aligned with organisational values.

Additional Information

• This role reports directly to the Director of People and Culture.
• The position is full-time, fixed-term for 12 months.
• The successful applicant will be based on campus and expected to work standard business hours (37.5 hours per week).
• Applications are by submission of a resume and cover letter through the university's career portal only; email applications are not accepted.
• The application deadline is Sunday 23 August 2026, midnight NZ time; however, early applications are encouraged as interviews may occur before the closing date.

Perks and Benefits

The University offers a comprehensive range of benefits to employees. Details can be found on the university's official website under benefits and working at UC.