Payroll Analyst 2 – JAPAC Payroll Operations
Career Level: IC2
Location: [Kuala Lumpur], Hybrid module
Organization: JAPAC Payroll Operations
Reports To: Payroll Manager – JAPAC Payroll Operations
Description
The Payroll Analyst 2 supports payroll operations for assigned countries across JAPAC, excluding ANZ and India. This role is responsible for delivering accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple country payrolls, while partnering closely with internal stakeholders and external payroll providers.
The position requires strong payroll operational knowledge, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment. The successful candidate will support payroll execution, issue resolution, compliance activities, and continuous process improvement. Country coverage may vary based on business needs and team structure.
Responsibilities
- Execute end-to-end payroll operations for assigned countries across JAPAC in accordance with payroll calendars, operating procedures, and service level expectations.
- Review, validate, and reconcile payroll inputs, including hires, terminations, compensation changes, variable pay, deductions, leave transactions, and statutory elements.
- Perform payroll audits, reconciliations, variance analysis, and quality checks to ensure payroll accuracy, completeness, and timely payment.
- Partner with payroll vendors, HR, Finance, and other stakeholders to support payroll delivery and resolve payroll-related issues effectively.
- Investigate and resolve payroll inquiries, escalations, and exceptions in a timely and professional manner.
- Support off-cycle payroll processing, corrections, reversals, and other exception-based transactions as needed.
- Maintain payroll records, process documentation, and audit trails in accordance with policy, compliance, and control requirements.
- Ensure payroll operations are executed in compliance with applicable local regulations, company policies, and internal controls.
- Support internal and external audits by providing accurate payroll data, reports, and documentation.
- Identify and drive opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, standardization, and service delivery across the JAPAC Payroll Operations function.
- Provide day-to-day guidance and operational support on payroll activities within assigned country scope, as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related discipline.
- 3–5 years of relevant experience in Payroll, Accounting, Finance, HR Operations, or a related operational role.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Korean.
- Additional language capability is an advantage like Mandarin.
- Strong analytical capability, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a multinational company or shared services environment.
- Experience supporting multi-country payroll operations in Asia Pacific.
- Familiarity with payroll controls, reconciliations, statutory compliance, and vendor-managed payroll models.
- Exposure to payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and case management tools.
- Experience contributing to process improvement, standardization, or operational excellence initiatives.
