Technical Specialist

Tauranga | Full-time

Use your technical payroll expertise to ensure systems, pay rules and processes are accurate and compliant

Play a key role in payroll system configuration, testing, assurance and continuous improvement

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is committed to providing high-quality healthcare for all New Zealanders. We are focused on improving access to care, delivering better health outcomes, achieving national health targets, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our health system.

We know that great healthcare starts with great people. That's why we are committed to building a high-performing, inclusive workplace where our people are supported to grow, contribute, and make a real difference for patients, whānau and communities across Aotearoa.

About the Role

As Technical Specialist, you will provide technical expertise and assurance over payroll system configuration, ensuring changes comply with the Holidays Act, tax requirements and other relevant payroll legislation. You will ensure robust testing, quality assurance and documentation processes are followed whenever configuration changes are made.

You will configure and test payroll system changes, develop test scripts and maintain documentation to support audit requirements. As a subject matter expert, you will interpret legislative and collective agreement changes and translate these into accurate system configurations, while working with vendors to resolve technical issues and implement enhancements.

You will also identify opportunities to automate and improve payroll processes, support payroll-related projects, monitor data integrity and exception reporting, and provide technical training and guidance to payroll teams.

About the Team/Service/Location

Based in Tauranga, you will report to the Payroll Manager – Bay of Plenty and work closely with Payroll, Systems, Compliance, Payroll Accounting, HR Reporting and Analytics, AskHR, Remuneration, Recruitment and wider People & Culture teams.

You will also engage with external partners and vendors, including IRD, auditors, AMS and Microster, to support effective and compliant payroll system delivery.

About You

You are an experienced payroll professional who combines strong technical capability with a detailed understanding of New Zealand payroll legislation. You enjoy solving complex system and data issues and have the confidence to interpret requirements, test solutions and provide trusted technical advice.

You will bring:

• 5+ years' payroll experience within a large and complex payroll environment.
• Sound knowledge of New Zealand payroll legislation, including the Holidays Act 2003, Wages Protection Act, Parental Leave legislation and KiwiSaver requirements.
• Experience working with payroll systems in a technical capacity, including configuration, testing, quality assurance and resolving complex system issues.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills and the ability to analyse information, identify risks and deliver practical solutions.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with payroll teams, stakeholders and system vendors.

Experience with AMS Leader Leave Manager and Microster along with public or health sector experience, would be advantageous. A relevant qualification in Information Systems, Business or HR would also be beneficial.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and serve our communities.

We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply, please click“apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 11:59PM Sunday 8th November 2026 .

If you have any questions about the role, please contact: Cherushka Pillay @ cherushka.pillay@tewhatuora.govt.nz

The full position description is available on the Health New Zealand Careers site.