Lead Payroll Compliance Analyst

Posted 9 Hours Ago
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Hiring Remotely in Wellington, NZL
Remote or Hybrid
Entry level
Cloud • Fintech • Information Technology • Machine Learning • Software
At Xero, we’re here to help you supercharge your business.
The Role
Owns payroll product compliance by translating regulatory changes into product requirements, reviewing compliance architecture with engineering teams, managing regulatory projects, advising product leaders, and engaging external regulatory bodies. The role requires accounting or payroll expertise, strong regulatory analysis, clear communication, sound prioritization, and mentoring capabilities.
Summary Generated by Built In

The role & impact

In this key role, you will take ownership of regulatory compliance across a complex product area, ensuring our solutions effectively solve core compliance needs for our small business customers. You will act as a primary strategic advisor to product teams and senior leaders, shaping the regulatory roadmap and guiding how legislative shifts influence our long-term vision.

Working closely with large engineering teams, you will act as a trusted technical peer to sign off on overall compliance architecture. Your work will balance nuanced compliance questions with strategic trade offs, directly enabling Xero to deliver seamless, regulation-ready products that empower small businesses globally.

 

The team & how they connect

You will join a collaborative network of compliance experts who sit at the intersection of product, engineering, and product risk. The team regularly connects with both internal technology leaders and external regulatory or trade bodies to align on industry standards. Together, we focus on proactive risk mitigation, sharing craft knowledge, and mentoring one another to deliver exceptional outcomes.

 

Initially, the role will focus on

  • Translating complex regulatory changes into clear, high-level insights and product requirements.

  • Partnering with engineering teams to review and sign off on compliance architecture for upcoming launches.

  • Managing multiple regulatory projects across various time horizons while navigating scope trade-offs.

  • Engaging directly with key external regulatory and trade bodies to represent product compliance interests.

 

Where and how you can work

We offer flexible options for remote and hybrid working, providing the space and tools you need to balance your work and home life. While you will have autonomy over your schedule, our modern office spaces are available for regular team collaboration, planning, and company boost days.

 

Here are some of the things we are looking for

  • Professional membership with a recognized accounting, bookkeeping, or payroll association, supported by a relevant qualification.

  • Strong expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks (such as Tax, Accounting, or Reporting) and guiding implementations.

  • Excellent communication skills, particularly in translating technical regulatory details into simple recommendations for technology and product leaders.

  • A methodical approach to analytical research alongside an eye for detail and confident decision-making.

  • Great self-management skills with a knack for prioritizing your time across both independent and collaborative work.

  • Passion for upskilling others, sharing knowledge, and acting as a supportive mentor across the business.

Apply even if your experience isn't a perfect match! At Xero, we hire based on your skills, passion, and the unique perspective you can bring to enhance our culture and team.

Skills Required

  • Professional membership with a recognized accounting, bookkeeping, or payroll association
  • Relevant accounting, bookkeeping, or payroll qualification
  • Strong expertise navigating complex regulatory frameworks, including tax, accounting, or reporting
  • Ability to guide regulatory implementations and translate technical regulatory details into clear recommendations
  • Excellent communication skills with technology and product leaders
  • Methodical analytical research skills and strong attention to detail
  • Confident decision-making and ability to navigate scope trade-offs
  • Strong self-management and prioritization skills
  • Ability to mentor others and share knowledge across the business

Xero Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Leave & Time Off Breadth — U.S. materials cite about 21 days PTO, 10 wellbeing days, five Xtra days, a volunteer day, and 12 paid holidays, plus an end‑of‑year shutdown. Company descriptions position this package toward the upper tier among midsize/large tech employers in the U.S. market.
  • Parental & Family Support — Primary caregivers are described as eligible for up to 26 weeks of fully paid parental leave, with partner leave in some markets. Family‑forming support via Carrot and access to Modern Health for employees and immediate family reinforce depth in this area.
  • Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Access to Modern Health, a funded ThrivePass wellbeing account (U.S.), and flexible/hybrid work are emphasized as part of a broader wellbeing strategy alongside ERGs and “Boost Day” events. Feedback suggests these programs contribute meaningfully to work‑life balance.

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The Company
HQ: Wellington
4,500 Employees
Year Founded: 2006

What We Do

Xero is small business accounting software that provides a platform on which businesses can build a fully integrated solution. It’s designed to make life better for people in small business, their advisors, and communities around the world. Xero minimises tedious admin by automating routine tasks, delivers valuable insights when needed, and brings together business data, trusted advisors, and powerful apps in one intuitive platform. By alleviating pain points, Xero empowers small business owners to supercharge their business, simplifying the complex and freeing up time from manual admin so they can focus on what really matters to build the business they’ve always envisaged.

Why Work With Us

Xero is a human-centric organization where you’ll have a tangible impact on the success of small businesses and their communities, globally. Our team of energised, forward-thinkers work to make life better for our customers and each other every day. We’re also always committed to supporting you with a flexible environment.

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Xero Teams

Xero Offices

Hybrid Workspace

Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

Join us from home or at one of our beautiful workspaces. Xero has offices in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Singapore, and South Africa.

Typical time on-site: Flexible
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