Finance Business Partner - Headcount & Payroll

Position Overview:

The Finance Business Partner – Headcount & Payroll is responsible for managing and analyzing workforce-related costs, including payroll, headcount planning, and labor expense forecasting. The role partners closely with HR and Operations to ensure accurate budgeting, forecasting, and reporting of personnel costs, while driving cost control, efficiency, and alignment with business objectives.

Responsibilities: 

• Lead monthly headcount and payroll forecasting, including variance analysis vs. budget and prior forecasts.
• Partner with HR and business leaders on workforce planning, hiring plans, and organizational changes.
• Monitor and control labor costs, ensuring accuracy of monthly payroll accruals.
• Own and deliver month-end close activities related to headcount and payroll, including accrual validation, variance analysis, and management reporting.
• Analyze headcount movements (hires, attrition, transfers) and provide insights to management.
• Support annual budgeting process for headcount and payroll across departments.
• Develop and maintain financial models for workforce cost planning and scenario analysis.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of headcount data and payroll reporting.
• Deliver management reporting and dashboards on workforce cost trends and KPIs.
• Collaborate with HR, Payroll, and IT to improve systems, processes, and data integration.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, labor laws, and internal controls.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Professional certification preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in finance, with exposure to payroll, headcount planning, or FP&A.
• Experience in manufacturing or large-scale operations environment preferred.
• Strong financial modeling and established ability using Microsoft Office software with high proficiency with Excel.
• Knowledge of ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Strong understanding of headcount planning, workforce cost management, payroll accounting, and fundamental accounting principles (accruals, financial statements, and general accounting concepts).
• Analytical mindset with ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Proven business partnering and stakeholder management skills across cross-functional teams.
• High attention to detail with focus on data accuracy, integrity and internal controls.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.