Payroll Lead

The Payroll Lead, ASEAN supports the Accounting & Controls Manager in all special projects and company initiatives that impact the Payroll organization. The Payroll Lead, ASEAN works independently and applies advanced payroll principles and knowledge to ensure standard operating procedures are followed, compliance to all local legal requirements relating to payroll, designs and implements payroll audit processes and methodology, focal contact with outsource provider, and manages payroll efficiency and accuracy initiatives. Primary responsibilities for this position include pay results validation and confirmation using applied audit principles and designed controls. Develop, manage and implement continued process improvement initiatives, standardization, and efficiency goals in collaboration with outsource partner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the payroll team and oversee each payroll run to ensure all ASEAN site staff are paid on time and correctly
• Prepare payroll changes including new hires, separations, promotions, FTE changes, merit increases, and other compensation adjustments
• Ensure the accuracy of payroll information through review, audit, and analysis of payroll records and reports
• Meet all statutory reporting requirements, regulations, and compliance for payroll taxes, withholding, and employer contribution
• Manage expatriate payroll & benefits reporting, tax filing and tax clearance
• Review income and tax impact of equity transactions within payroll
• Ensure accurate accounting and reporting on all payroll related feeds to accounting team
• Assist internal/external audit, regulatory queries, and general ledger inquiries.
• Management of payroll relationship with HR Service Centre, HR Business Partners
• Management of 3rd party payroll service provider to SLA
• Assist employees to resolve issues relating to payroll inquiries promptly
• Ensure confidentiality and security of payroll files, systems, and reports
• Implement improvement to processes and workflow to create efficiencies
• Assist and/or lead additional projects as assigned. In particular, implementation of payroll applications, insourcing of payroll functions, setup of payroll CoE, integration of ASEAN / APAC country level payroll function to CoE, continuous improvement projects.

Qualifications and Experience:

• At least 5 - 8 years of relevant experience in payroll management and personal income, with increasing levels of responsibility
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, human resources or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll processes, labor laws, taxation and statutory compliance in ASEAN countries.
• Experience in handling payroll audits, inspections and compliance assessments.
• Excellent understanding of financial principles and the ability to reconcile payroll with financial records.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in managing complex payroll calculation data.
• Good organizational and time management skills to meet strict payroll deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and business partnering.
• Proficiency in payroll software and systems, such as SAP, with experience implementing and managing payroll systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint.