Payroll Systems & Data Analyst

Role overview

This permanent full-time position is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. It sits within the HR & Recruitment space and focuses on payroll expertise, system optimisation, reporting, and workforce data analysis.

You will help convert payroll and workforce information into practical insights that improve decision-making, strengthen compliance, and support accurate payroll outcomes.

About Environment Canterbury

Environment Canterbury is a regional council responsible for looking after natural resources such as air, soil, water, and land. The organisation works alongside mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to support the wellbeing of the environment and build a sustainable future for the region.

The organisation operates in a changing environmental and political landscape and must remain adaptable to regulatory and policy shifts while continuing to deliver its core services.

Its three main service areas are environmental regulation and protection, community preparedness and response to hazards, and public transport.

What the role involves

Working in the People, Safety and Wellbeing team, you will own payroll reporting and analytics, advise on payroll system configuration and performance, and contribute to ongoing improvements in payroll controls and processes.

• Analyse payroll and workforce information and turn it into clear findings.
• Interpret payroll, workforce, and legislative details into actionable business guidance.
• Help ensure payroll practices meet legal and compliance requirements.
• Improve payroll systems and maintain high data quality for accurate payroll results.

What we are looking for

The ideal person is curious, analytical, and confident in solving problems, improving processes, and identifying trends in data. You should combine strong payroll knowledge with technical and data interpretation skills and be comfortable engaging with stakeholders.

• Ability to learn new systems quickly and understand organisation-specific data.
• Strong working knowledge of the Holidays Act and New Zealand payroll legislation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and detail-focused working style.
• Confidence explaining complex data and payroll concepts to different audiences.

Experience and qualifications

You should hold a degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems, Data Analytics, or a related field.

• At least 7 years of experience with payroll systems, payroll data, and workforce analytics.
• Experience creating reports and turning findings into business insights.
• Background in identifying process improvements and lifting payroll/data outcomes.
• Advanced Excel ability, plus experience with SQL or similar data querying tools.
• Exposure to payroll systems, HRIS platforms, reporting tools, and data visualisation software such as Power BI.

Values and working environment

Environment Canterbury’s work is guided by Kaitiakitanga, Pononga, Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, and Māiatanga.

The organisation values diversity, welcomes different perspectives, and encourages capability building in te ao Māori. It supports the use of kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in everyday work.

Additional information

This is a permanent full-time role. Applicants are expected to submit an online application together with a CV and cover letter.

Applications close on Sunday, 2 August, but review will happen as applications come in, so early submission is encouraged. Interviews may start before the closing date, and the advertisement may be closed early if needed.

Shortlisted candidates will go through interviews, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking may also be required where relevant.

Environment Canterbury encourages people from all backgrounds to apply, including candidates who are excited about the role but do not meet every listed qualification.

The closing note for the role is: “Together we can.”