Payroll specialist

Job Description: Consultant, Payroll Specialist Location: Bangalore, (May require travel across India for projects) About Varahe Analytics: Varahe Analytics is one of India’s premier integrated political consulting firms specializing in building data-driven 360-degree election campaigns. We help our clients with strategic advice and implementation, combining data-backed insights and in-depth ground intelligence into a holistic electoral campaign. We are passionate about our democracy and the politics that shape our world. We draw on some of the sharpest minds from distinguished institutions and diverse professional backgrounds to help us achieve our goal of building electoral strategies that spark conversations, effect change, and help shape electoral and legislative ecosystems in our country. About the Team: We are looking for a seasoned professional at the managerial level to streamline payroll operations for our fast-paced political consulting firm. As part of our core HR and Finance function, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless payroll processing for a workforce of 2000+ consultants . This role demands strong expertise in payroll management, statutory compliance, and labour laws, along with the ability to handle complex, large-scale payroll operations with accuracy and integrity. You will collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and Audit teams, acting as the go-to specialist for payroll governance and consultants query resolution. What Would This Role Entail? Lead end-to-end payroll management for 2000+ consultants, ensuring 100% accuracy and timely disbursements. Ensure full compliance with statutory requirements (PF, ESI, PT, Gratuity, TDS, and other applicable labour laws). Maintain and update payroll systems, consultant master data, and reporting structures. Partner with HR, Finance, and Audit teams to resolve payroll discrepancies and strengthen governance. Prepare and present monthly payroll MIS reports and dashboards for leadership review. Address consultant queries on salary, taxation, and statutory benefits with accuracy and clarity. Safeguard data security, confidentiality, and integrity in all payroll operations. Support audits and statutory inspections by providing timely and accurate payroll data. Necessary Skills: Strong knowledge of payroll systems and tools (HRIS/HRMS such as SAP, Keka, Zimyo, etc.). In-depth knowledge of Indian labour laws, statutory compliance, payroll regulations, and TDS (mandatory). Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and payroll reconciliation and dashboard presentation. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills. Strong communication and stakeholder management ability. Ability to manage confidential data with discretion. Flexibility and readiness to travel extensively and manage long working hours in a dynamic environment. Good to Have Skills: Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, or Human Resources (B. Com, BBA, BA in HR/Finance). Master’s degree / MBA in HR, Finance, or related field ( preferred but not always mandatory). Professional certifications such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Diploma in Payroll Management, SAP HR/HRMS, or Indian labour law and compliance-related certifications will be considered a strong advantage , especially for compliance-focused roles. Minimum 4+ years of experience in payroll , with at least 2 years in a managerial or lead role. Experience handling payroll for 2000+ consultants is mandatory. Basic understanding of politics and the nature of India’s democracy How to Apply If you're a working professional looking for a high-impact challenge, interested in joining a team of like-minded and motivated individuals who think strategically, act decisively, and get things done, drop in an email at