International Payroll Advisor

Why we need this role

The International Payroll Advisor in Japan is responsible for ensuring that the payroll (s) are delivered in a timely and accurate manner by the payroll provider and remains compliant with local laws and tax regulations. The role will be the subject matter expert on assigned payrolls for Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore and will support the Global Payroll Manager and the HR Operations Team in creating consistent and standard processes in the region that support payroll processing.

Join us and you will be part of a fast-growing community of like-minded experts to grow and learn alongside you in your career.   

What you will do

• To be the subject matter expert on the assigned payrolls in APAC region (Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore)
• Process and communicate all payroll updates and changes with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail to the relevant payroll vendor(s).
• Ensure that data is received in line with established payroll formats and deadlines
• To be primary point of contact for employee queries in relation to designated payrolls, resolving where possible and or escalation to the payroll provider
• Be responsible for payroll funding in each location – salaries and 3rd party payments working closely with the Finance team
• Handle payroll closing activities and manage social insurance, employment insurance and pension related tasks
• Working with the payroll vendors, ensure year-end adjustments and statutory reporting requirements are completed accurately and on time
• Identify, investigate and resolve discrepancies in payroll records
• Maintain detailed process documents for all payrolls
• Day to day interaction with the (global) payroll providers and sub-contractors if applicable (vendor management) and audit the payroll calculations and payroll reports
• Day to day interaction with the (global) payroll providers and sub-contractors if applicable (vendor management) to ensure the smooth running of the payrolls – escalating any issues to the Global Payroll Manager
• Audit the payroll calculations and payroll output reports (G2N, Variance Report, pay slips, payment files, etc.) Identify, investigate and resolve discrepancies in payroll records with the payroll vendors
• Support the Global Payroll Manager in projects to develop the payroll processes and database, identifying improvements, opportunities for process automation and implementing any resultant changes
• Provide advice on best practices on routine as well as complex payroll transactions while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and internal policies
• Research and ensure knowledge is up to date on Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore labour and tax laws to ensure payrolls remain compliant
• Working closely with the HR Operations team, conduct regular checks to ensure the integrity of the payroll and HR database, updating data as necessary and ensuring that the payroll database is working correctly
• Support the Global Payroll Manager with any internal or external audits    

What we're looking for

Must haves:

• 3+ years of experience working in payroll business
• Recent operational payroll experience within APAC (end to end process)
• Expatriate payroll knowledge
• Strong knowledge of Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore payrolls
• Processed international payrolls and worked with global payroll providers
• Strong payroll systems experience
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills, especially MS Excel
• Highly organised and able to effectively multi-task and prioritise workload.
• Japanese as first language and English is required (at least on conversational level)

Might haves:

• A formal payroll qualification is highly desirable