Senior Manager, Payroll, Asia Pacific

Job Summary

Lead the Asia Pacific Payroll team and support Finance leadership in delivering accurate and timely payroll and F&A outcomes to Corporate and key stakeholders. Responsible for managing the payroll team and end-to-end payroll operations, including oversight of SLAs and performance of outsourced payroll vendors. Drive and support strategic projects as needed, while identifying opportunities to streamline, optimise processes end-to-end, and drive continuous improvement. Ensure proper documentation, strong controls, and effective payroll delivery. Partner with stakeholders to provide operational support and enhance payroll effectiveness. Ensure compliance with legal regulations, GAAP, and MVW policies, while maintaining a robust control framework across the region. Focus on building scalable, efficient payroll capabilities aligned with long-term business objectives.

Core Work Activities

Leadership & Team Management

Lead, mentor and develop the Asia Pacific Payroll team

Manage team performance, capability building, and succession planning

Serve as a backup for payroll operations when team members are on leave, sick, or otherwise unavailable (hands on)

Payroll Operations & Compliance

Oversee end-to-end payroll operations across multiple Asia Pacific countries, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance

Ensure payroll statutory requirements, tax submissions, and benefits administration are adhered to at all times

Act as subject matter expert in multi-country payroll, including payroll laws, statutory requirements, and payroll taxes

Act as the primary liaison between HR, Finance, associates, and external authorities

Payroll Accounting & Controls

Manage payroll accounting, including payroll journals, balance sheet reconciliations, and SOX controls

Ensure strong governance, internal controls, and audit readiness (internal and external audits)

Ensure that systems access certifications not centrally maintained are completed in accordance with Internal Audit requirements

Vendor Management & Performance

Manage outsourced third-party payroll providers, including day-to-day operations, enforcing SLAs, and driving performance standards

Lead vendor assessment and selection processes, including evaluating service providers against business requirements

Manage contract renewals and support negotiation of terms and conditions to ensure commercial and operational alignment

Process Improvement & Documentation

Drive continuous process improvement to optimise end-to-end payroll operations, enhance efficiency, and reduce risk

Establish, standardise, and maintain payroll documentation, including SOPs, job aids, and process workflows

Systems, Automation & Integration

Support implementation and enhancement of payroll systems, including driving automation initiatives

Collaborate with US teams on payroll system integration (e.g. Workday) to improve efficiency and alignment with third-party providers

Strategic Projects & Transformation

Lead and support strategic payroll and finance transformation projects for Asia Pacific as required

Planning & Budgeting

Support CFE, APEME (TBC) for W&B Budget, LRP, and Strategic Plan for Asia Pacific

Stakeholder Management & Business Partnering

Partner with Finance, HR, and business stakeholders to provide payroll advisory and operational support

Support business on payroll-related queries and regional initiatives

Support business partners on BlackLine (BS) reconciliations for payroll and explain variances and changes in payroll numbers and payouts

Ad-Hoc Responsibilities

Handle ad-hoc payroll matters and projects assigned

Candidate Profile

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field preferred

Minimum 10 years of regional, hands-on payroll experience with end-to-end payroll processing exposure

At least 7 years of leadership or supervisory experience managing payroll teams

Proven experience managing payroll across multiple countries, including Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Indonesia

Strong knowledge of local labour laws, employment regulations, and payroll tax requirements across the Asia Pacific region

Experience working in a US multinational company (MNC) environment

Demonstrated experience managing outsourced third-party payroll vendors, including end-to-end outsourcing engagements and vendor governance

Experience in HRIS and payroll system integration projects (e.g., Workday), including process optimization and automation initiatives

Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior leadership and cross-functional teams

Solid finance and accounting background, with good understanding of payroll accounting entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting

High level of integrity, with the ability to handle confidential information professionally

Proven experience managing in-country payroll vendors and service providers across multiple jurisdictions

Competencies

Excellent communication skills and able to present to senior management

Advanced knowledge of MS Excel

Attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information securely.

Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to identify and resolve payroll discrepancies and issues.

Strong analytical, process mapping, and procedural documentation skills

Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal stakeholders at all levels.

Excellent team player

Positive attitude, self-motivated and highly driven

Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities. (hands on)

Proven ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced work environment.