Ruth Smart Email & Phone Number

Waikato, New Zealand

As HR and Payroll Manager for Fire Security Services 2016, I oversee all generalist HR functions including recruitment, training, inductions, performance management, IR/ER and HR policy. I am focused on ensuring the wellbeing of our people and that our HR and payroll systems adhere to best practice standards within the industry.A member of the senior leadership team, I identify HR and people strategy, to strengthen the delivery of service to our customers and ensure that our people are trained and highly skilled. I work with Managers across the business, coaching and mentoring them in relation to HR advice to enable them to better lead their people. With over 20 years with the business, I understand both the industry and the HR systems that can best support the organisation. Since new ownership in 2016, I have established the current HR framework and have looked at ways to better support our team of highly trained Technicians and administrative staff. To engage our new staff, I created an interactive induction system, where I personally onboard all team members and provide them with all the tools they need for a successful career at Fire Security Services – this includes a goodie bag for each staff member. I have held ongoing responsibility for the Payroll and Human Resources, which overlaps with the Health and Safety of our team. I actively work with our Commercial Manager to ensure we are both aware of Training, Health and Safety issues that may affect the business.

Waikato, New Zealand

My role expanded to include not only payroll management, but also HR for over 250 staff. This busy role required the management of robust processes and systems, to ensure accuracy was achieved across the pay runs and in relation to employment contracts. By implementing a new system to check all paperwork prior to sending it for the wage run, I was able to increase accuracy and eliminate issues or errors with payments.At the same time, I was responsible for the Accounts Payable, Receivable, Debt Collection and Payroll/HR for our Melbourne office.During this period I supported the organisation through a change of ownership, collaborating with the team to ensure team goals were aligned and provided people with encouragement during a period of disruption. By actively working together, the team have been able to create a highly productive organisation moving forward.

Waikato, New Zealand

With the earlier Fire Security Services Ltd, having three branches across Australia, I had responsibility for all invoicing, accounts and payroll for the business. I helped ensure that there were rigorous processes in place, aligning these with legislative requirements. I worked across the organisation, building strong relationships with teams to quickly troubleshoot issues and resolve pay problems for staff.

Waikato, New Zealand

My role broadened with responsibility for the accounts in the Australian business, including vehicle management and insurance. This included managing a fleet of 180 vehicles, overseeing all associated fuel cards and ensuring appropriate insurances were in place. I checked and maintained the register of vehicles and associated vehicle files to monitor costs for each vehicle and ensure effective management. During this time we brought in a Vehicle Lease/Management Company to take over the fleet management.In 2009, I also started to get involved in processing the payroll for the organisation.

Waikato, New Zealand

Promoted into the Key Accounts Administrator role, I took over the administration of all key service administration and job allocation and tracking. It also included a number of AR and AP functions. This included reconciliation and preparation of reports for management, investigation and approval of credit notes, collection of outstanding debt and management of client relationships. This role ended with the transfer of Key Accounts from Hamilton to a new team based in Auckland due to the growth in Key Accounts.

Waikato, New Zealand

I started with Fire Security Services in the accounts team, looking after all the accounts payable functions. I had responsibility for vehicle maintenance, files and put in place a system for setting up vehicles from point of purchase to delivery to branch, ready for use by our technicians. I also completed a six-month debt collection project achieving the desired result of reduced aged debt.