Payroll manager

Payroll managers make sure payroll processes are completed. They manage payroll departments and identify and make changes.

Also known as

Finance and payroll manager, accounts payroll manager, manager renumeration, payroll and benefits manager, payroll team leader, payroll superviser

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
  • Usually work in offices
  • Need to be methodical, responsible and lead others

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$71K-$172K 71000

Typical tasks

  • Manage payroll teams and systems for organisations
  • Calculate pay, tax and deductions
  • Approve and sign off staff pay
  • Arrange for staff to be paid
  • Check staff hours worked and leave taken
  • Manage compensation and benefits packages
  • Keep staff records up to date
  • Make sure organisations comply with laws
  • Prepare financial documents, reports and budgets
  • Make sure payroll processes are followed

Outlook

Payroll managers are helping organisations manage increasingly digital payroll systems, workforce data and compliance responsibilities. Automation can streamline routine tasks, but organisations still need strong oversight to ensure people are paid correctly and on time. In New Zealand, employment law and tax changes continue to affect payroll processes. Trends such as flexible work and integrated HR systems are also influencing payroll management.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Leadership and ability to organise payroll teams and processes
  • Strong understanding of payroll, tax and employment requirements
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Confidence using payroll, HR and reporting systems
  • Ability to manage deadlines and resolve issues calmly
  • Respect for privacy and confidential employee 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.

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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.