Payroll Manager & Bookkeeper
Location: Canterbury, New Zealand
Work Type: Onsite/Remote
Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time by agreement (up to 37.5 hours per week)
About the Role
We are seeking a highly capable and detail-focused Payroll Manager & Bookkeeper to join our team in a remote role based in Canterbury. This is a senior hands-on position suited to someone with strong New Zealand payroll expertise, excellent bookkeeping capability, and the confidence to manage financial processes accurately, efficiently, and independently.
The successful candidate will take ownership of end-to-end payroll and day-to-day bookkeeping functions, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and timely reporting. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a remote working environment, communicates clearly, and takes pride in delivering high-quality work.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Management
- Manage end-to-end payroll processing for weekly, fortnightly, and/or monthly pay cycles
- Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time in line with New Zealand legislation and employment agreements
- Maintain payroll records, employee data, leave balances, deductions, and terminations
- Administer PAYE, KiwiSaver, ACC, child support, student loan deductions, and other payroll obligations
- Complete payday filing and ensure all payroll reporting requirements are met
- Interpret employment agreements and apply payroll rules correctly, including leave entitlements and public holiday/pay calculations
- Serve as the primary contact for client payroll and bookkeeping queries, providing professional, timely resolution.”
- Assist with payroll reconciliations, month-end processes, and audit preparation
Bookkeeping
Manage the financial compliance and reporting timelines for a dedicated portfolio of clients, including:
- Management of accounts payable and accounts receivable
- Bank reconciliations and maintain accurate general ledger records
- Processing journals, accruals, prepayments, and month-end adjustments
- Preparing GST returns and support other routine compliance obligations
- Maintaining accurate financial records and ensure transactions are coded correctly
- Cashflow reporting, budgeting, and financial administration
- Prepare and analyse monthly client management reports
- Develop and document standard operating procedures for the firm’s bookkeeping processes
Skills and Experience Required
- Proven experience in a senior payroll and bookkeeping role within New Zealand
- Strong knowledge of NZ payroll legislation, payroll compliance, and leave/pay calculations
- Sound understanding of bookkeeping principles and financial processes
- Experience with payroll and accounting software such as Xero, Payroll softare or similar platforms
- High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality
- Strong reconciliation and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work autonomously and manage competing deadlines in a remote environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational skills and a proactive, dependable work style
Preferred Qualifications and Attributes
- Payroll certification or equivalent practical expertise
- Experience working with multiple entities, business units, or clients
- Confidence improving processes and recommending better systems
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and cloud-based business systems
- A practical, common-sense approach and a commitment to doing things right the first time
What We Offer
- A remote role based in Canterbury with flexibility and autonomy
- The opportunity to work in a trusted, senior support position
- A collaborative and professional working environment
- Flexible hours by agreement for the right candidate
- A role where your expertise, reliability, and attention to detail will be highly valued
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who is not just technically strong, but also mature, trustworthy, and easy to work with. You will be the kind of person who notices the details, keeps things running smoothly, and takes genuine ownership of your work. You will be comfortable working remotely while staying responsive, organised, and connected.
To Apply
Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience in
New Zealand payroll and bookkeeping
, the systems you have used, and your availability.
