Payroll consultant
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in offices
- Need to be accurate, organised and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Review and improve payroll systems
- Make sure payroll systems follow laws
- Advise businesses on pay and benefits
- Analyse job roles and pay structures
- Manage payroll processes and data
- Prepare payroll reports for businesses
- Set up payroll management methods
- Assess how payroll policies work
- Manage agreements for staff pay
- Work with government on payroll matters
Outlook
Payroll is becoming more digital as organisations use cloud-based systems, automation and integrated human-resources software. In New Zealand, changes to employment rules, tax requirements and leave arrangements mean organisations need reliable payroll advice. Internationally, remote work and cross-border employment can add complexity. Routine processing may be increasingly automated, while advisory and compliance work remains important.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong knowledge of payroll rules, tax and employment requirements
- Ability to interpret changes and explain them clearly
- Accuracy when checking calculations and records
- Confidence using payroll and reporting systems
- Analytical problem-solving for complex payroll issues
- Professional judgement and respect for confidential information
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Content is reviewed by our experts, but information can change over time. Some content is created with AI support.
This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.