Client Services Lead

A well-established professional services firm is seeking an experienced Client Services Lead to head up its payroll and bookkeeping function. This is a senior, hands-on role that blends technical payroll expertise, client engagement, and people leadership.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex payroll challenges, guiding others, and improving how services are delivered.

The organisation supports a broad SME client base, delivering payroll as both a bureau service and an advisory offering. Payrolls range from simple to moderately complex, and you will work across multiple systems while ensuring compliance with New Zealand employment and payroll legislation.

About The Role

You will be the face of payroll for the business, providing confidence to clients while leading and developing a capable client services team. Around half of your time will be client-facing, with the remainder focused on workflow oversight, quality assurance, and team development. Leading a team of 3, your key responsibilities will be as follows:

• Leading the day-to-day delivery of payroll and bookkeeping services across a diverse client base
• Acting as the escalation point for complex payroll, leave, and compliance queries
• Managing workflow, quality checks, and payroll calendars across multiple pay cycles
• Building capability within the client services team through coaching and clear leadership
• Overseeing payroll compliance including PAYE, KiwiSaver, and IRD submissions
• Working across systems such as IMS Payroll, PaySauce, Xero Payroll, Smartly, MYOB, and PayHero.
• Supporting client onboarding, troubleshooting, and payroll system transitions
• Coordinating and overseeing an internal administration team and associated workflows

About You

The client is flexible around the skillset of the right candidate, bearing in mind that the right person needs to be equally adept in people and stakeholder relationship management as they are in payroll delivery. However, the ideal candidate may bring the following attributes:

• Strong working knowledge of New Zealand payroll and employment legislation
• Proven experience in payroll within a multi-client or professional services environment
• Confident leading people while remaining hands-on when required
• Comfortable being client-facing and providing trusted advice and solutions
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and quality control
• Technically confident across multiple payroll platforms
• Motivated by developing others rather than doing all the complex work yourself

What Is On Offer

• A senior, trusted role with real autonomy and influence
• A stable client base and an experienced team ready to be developed
• Direct access to senior leadership in a pragmatic, people-focused environment
• Flexibility around hours, structure, and location for the right person

Contact

All inquiries and applications to Archway Recruitment are treated in the strictest confidence. For a confidential discussion and to find out more about this opportunity please contact: Sam Graham - email ***email_hidden*** or call 021920145 Matthew Greenwood - email [email protected] or call 0220487800

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this job.