Payroll Specialist

Overview

The Payroll Specialist is accountable for managing comprehensive payroll operations throughout India, South Africa, and Southeast Asia within the Global Payroll function. This role partners closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors to ensure payroll is accurate, timely, and compliant with regulations. The position also involves maintaining documentation, supporting audits, and championing process improvements aligned with global standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly payroll procedures end-to-end for India, South Africa, and SEA countries.
• Compile, enter, and reconcile payroll data ensuring accuracy before approvals.
• Complete payroll authorization documents within required timelines.
• Verify and process timesheets, expenses, and related payroll inputs.
• Ensure proper tax treatment for employer payments, allowances, and benefits in all designated nations.
• Maintain compliance with local labor laws, taxation, and statutory mandates across regions.
• Keep labor and salary records updated per country-specific standards.
• Track regional legal changes impacting payroll and incorporate necessary adjustments.
• Provide accurate documentation and support for internal and external audits.
• Act as the primary contact for employee payroll inquiries within the region.
• Work alongside HR to manage data updates including hires and terminations affecting payroll.
• Collaborate with Finance teams on accruals, reporting, and reconciliation matters.
• Liaise with external payroll providers (e.g., Paysquare) ensuring smooth payroll delivery.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures jointly with internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and recommend payroll process enhancements conforming to global practices.
• Assist with policy implementation and payroll system upgrades.
• Engage with regional and global payroll transformation projects as needed.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Experience with payroll software such as Workday, Dayforce, Paysquare, and Kyriba.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and MS Office tools.
• Strong knowledge of payroll components, calculation methodologies, and reconciliation processes.
• Understanding of statutory compliance and taxation for India, South Africa, and Southeast Asia.
• Familiarity with benefits administration and employer tax obligations.
• Capabilities in managing relationships with payroll vendors and external providers.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in data management.
• Effective communication skills in English, both spoken and written.
• Proven ability to manage deadlines and prioritize competing tasks.
• Upholds discretion and confidentiality handling sensitive payroll data.
• Demonstrates independence and teamwork abilities.
• Proactive problem-solving approach and adaptability to changes.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to ensure high-quality deliverables.

Experience

• Between 3 to 5 years in payroll administration, ideally within multinational or shared service settings.
• Proven payroll management experience specifically for India; additional exposure to South Africa and SEA is advantageous.
• Hands-on work with payroll platforms such as Workday, Dayforce, Paysquare, or Kyriba.
• Knowledge of audit protocols and statutory compliance obligations.
• Experience liaising with external payroll vendors and regulatory authorities.
• Background in payroll reporting and finance-related payroll functions is beneficial.

Educational Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline is required.