Associate Manager - Payroll

Job Summary

The Associate Manager – Tier 2 Payroll leads the Regional HR Service Center payroll operations across APAC. This role is responsible for managing a team of Senior Associates and Associates, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery across supported countries.

The position drives operational excellence through process standardization, risk management, vendor oversight, and continuous improvement initiatives within a Shared Services / GBS environment.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations Leadership

• Lead day-to-day Tier 2 payroll operations across APAC countries

• Ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing

• Oversee payroll controls, testing, documentation, and regulatory compliance

• Manage vendor relationships to ensure effective regional payroll delivery

Process Improvement & Governance

• Define and standardize payroll operating procedures

• Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives

• Drive optimization and process transformation projects aligned with Lean Six Sigma principles

• Monitor operational risks and implement mitigation strategies

Stakeholder & Service Management

• Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders across the region

• Proactively resolve payroll-related issues and customer concerns

• Ensure adherence to administrative policies and local payroll regulations

People Leadership

• Manage, coach, and develop a team of payroll professionals

• Identify performance gaps and implement development plans

• Foster a high-performance, service-oriented culture

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree holder (Business, HR, Finance, or related field)

• At least 10 years of progressive payroll operations experience

• Strong APAC multi-country payroll background

• Minimum 5 years of people management experience

• Experience ina  captive Shared Services Center (SSC) or Global Business Services (GBS) environment

• Background in process improvement initiatives with Lean Six Sigma mindset

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of payroll operations, controls, financial compliance, and regulations

• Experience leading payroll transformation, optimization, and standardization initiatives

• Strong leadership, planning, and decision-making capabilities

• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, deadline-driven regional environment

• HRIS experience required; Workday is a plus

• Proficient in Microsoft Office

• High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information

• Strong customer service orientation and collaborative approach