JOB DETAILS:
Job Purpose
The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for handling payroll and benefits processes with accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. This role includes process documentation, continuous improvement, and collaboration across HR and Finance to unify payroll operations and support employee cost accounting. The Specialist will ensure the timely and compliant management of payroll and benefits, uphold confidentiality, and provide responsive support to employees.

Responsibilities
Payroll Processing and Compliance
• Manage payroll for direct employees, reviewing data processed by outsourced agencies to ensure accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality.
• Guarantee that pay-slips, tax reports, and any required payroll documentation are issued to employees in a timely manner.

• Ensure full compliance with statutory payroll regulations, including the correct calculation and reporting of all statutory deductions and contributions.
• Participate in and support payroll audits to uphold standards of accuracy and transparency.
Process Documentation and Improvement
• Develop, document, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process workflows, and guidelines for payroll and benefits management.
• Actualize continuous improvement efforts by identifying and implementing efficiencies to streamline payroll processes, ensure consistency, and enhance data integrity.

• Establish and unify payroll processes across the business to support a consistent and efficient payroll experience.
Benefits Management and Accounting Support
• Facilitate the administration of employee benefits from an accounting perspective, coordinating with HR and Finance to ensure accurate costing and compliance.
• Manage employee benefits inquiries, working closely with HR Business Partners (HRBPs) to resolve issues and ensure employees have clarity on payroll and benefits entitlements.

• Prepare and submit payroll and benefits reports, including statutory return schedules and compliance reviews of outsourced staff payrolls, to regulatory bodies within required timelines.
Employee Cost Management and Budgeting
• Liaise with HRBPs and relevant business functions to support headcount budgeting, employment cost reporting, and forecasting.
• Assist in employment cost budgeting, ensuring payroll costs are aligned with organizational budgets.
• Maintain up-to-date schedules for leave provisions, employee receivables (such as immigration security deposits), and other employee-related financial accounts.
Reporting and Analysis
• Generate monthly payroll reports, outsourced staff payroll compliance reviews, and respond to inquiries regarding payroll and benefits with accuracy and confidentiality.

• Produce and analyze employment cost reports and employee cost projections to inform HR and Finance on payroll trends, budget implications, and potential areas for improvement.
Agency and Vendor Management
• Manage and reconcile agency payables accounts, coordinating closely with finance to ensure payments to outsourced agencies are accurate and timely.
• Track and reconcile outsourced payrolls to maintain accurate financial records and facilitate smooth operations with third-party providers.

Academic Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources Management, or a related field.

Professional Experience:
• A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in payroll administration, benefits management, or related fields, preferably within a fast-paced environment such as FMCG or multinational organizations and third party manpower
• Demonstrated experience in process documentation, payroll compliance with statutory deductions, and employment cost budgeting.

Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in payroll management systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills c(e.g., pivot tables, v-lookups, data analysis).
• Knowledge of statutory payroll regulations and compliance requirements
• Familiarity with accounting principles, benefits accounting, and financial reconciliation processes

Key Competencies
Attention to Detail and Accuracy:
• Ensures meticulous accuracy in payroll calculations, statutory deductions, and benefits management.
• Ability to manage sensitive data while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with relevant regulations.
Process Improvement and Documentation:
• Skilled in developing and refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process workflows, and guidelines to optimize efficiency.
• Strong focus on continuous improvement to enhance payroll processes and ensure uniformity across operations.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:
• Excellent ability to liaise with HRBPs, Finance teams, and business leaders to align payroll operations with organizational objectives.
• Strong communication skills to address employee payroll inquiries and support effective reporting and training for relevant stakeholders.