Payroll Manager

A Snapshot 

As the Payroll Manager, APJ, you will ensure the seamless operation of payroll processes across the Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ) region. This role is critical in maintaining compliance, accuracy, and employee satisfaction by collaborating with key stakeholders to oversee end-to-end payroll processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive operational efficiency. Based in our HQ in North Sydney, and as part of the People & Culture team, you will report to the Manager, Payroll & Benefits, APJ and work closely with various teams and leadership across the Asia Pacific region, making your mark in a number of ways: 

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely compensation for all employees, and aligning payroll and best-in-class benefits practices with organisational goals. 
• Foster collaboration across departments and implement continuous process improvements to drive operational excellence. 

Your Day to Day 

Payroll & Governance: 

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing across multiple countries, ensuring compliance and accuracy
• Work closely with outsourced payroll providers to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing
• Support payroll system implementations, enhancements, and integrations with HR and finance systems
• Identify and implement automation opportunities to enhance payroll efficiency and compliance
• Conduct regular payroll audits to address discrepancies and mitigate risks
• Support payroll projects where needed, ensuring smooth execution and alignment with business objectives
• Process and review payroll transactions, ensuring accuracy in employee compensation, benefits, and deductions
• Maintain payroll records, ensuring compliance with tax laws and reporting requirements
• Handle payroll tax obligations, including PAYG, payroll tax filings, and statutory contributions
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of superannuation, MPF, CPF, workers' compensation, and regional wage and insurance declarations
• Ensure compliance with country-specific wage laws, employment classifications, and leave entitlements
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely manner
• Collaborate with People Operations and Finance to support payroll reporting, audits, and reconciliations
• Assist in month-end and year-end payroll close processes, ensuring all required reports and submissions are completed
• Address employee enquiries and provide guidance on salary structures, benefits, and deductions
• Work with external vendors to administer employee benefit programs effectively
• Implement continuous improvements to payroll processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy 

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: 

• Ensure payroll operations and benefits adhere to all tax, wage, and labour laws across APJ
• Manage payroll tax reporting, statutory filings, and compliance audits
• Establish best practices in payroll governance, reporting, and record-keeping and stay informed with legislative changes 
• Collaborate with external auditors and regulatory bodies as required 

End-of-Year & Financial Reporting: 

• Manage year-end payroll processing, including tax reporting and reconciliations
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of financial reports related to payroll operations
• Partner with Finance and external providers for tax filings, audits, and reporting requirements 

Technology & Process Optimisation: 

• Identify and implement payroll automation and system enhancements
• Work with ICT, P&C, and Finance teams to enhance system integrations for seamless data flow
• Drive continuous improvements in employee experience 

Requirements  

• Minimum 8+ years of experience in payroll, compliance, and benefits administration.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and statutory reporting across APJ, including Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Japan.
• Proven experience in end-to-end payroll processes and managing outsourced payroll vendor relationships. 
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional, Employment Law, or Finance qualifications).
• Previous experience in Payroll & HRIS system transformation (highly regarded)
• Demonstrated experience managing payroll and benefits for a medium to large, multi-jurisdictional organisation, with a deep understanding of benefits administration and P&C systems integration
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities, with a focus on leveraging data to optimise payroll and benefits strategies
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with employees, senior leadership, and external stakeholders
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, and payroll/HR system
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and deliver a positive employee experience.