Regional Payroll Manager

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Summary of the role:

This role provides leadership and oversight of the functional, legal, regulatory, and internal management aspects of the payroll function and its processes. This includes the review of existing and emerging payroll related processes to ensure regulatory compliance and the management of 3rd party vendors (payroll providers & Wipro) against contractual SLAs for effective administrative payment processes. The successful candidate must have a proven track record of successfully developing, implementing, and driving payroll related processes in alignment with business objectives.

This role will supervise the regional components of payroll, accurate payroll records and data management to ensure compliance with statutory requirements for all employees in the region as part of the GBS – Global Payroll COE.  Manage third party provider services for the region. Serve as Tier 3 escalation point for the region.  Provide continuous improvement approach for Payroll processes with the view of optimization in the GBS Model.  Ensure that activities and processes performed are conducted according to Company, local, regional requirements.

About the role:

• Payroll Approval – Reviews and approves payroll before it gets processed for payment ensuring appropriate back up is provided for every single transaction.  Ensures timely payment of employees.

• Strategic Planning – Understands the industry and business priorities. Actively translates business vision and strategy into operational tactics and tools to build the organizational support and infrastructure needed to achieve them. Evaluates payroll systems, payroll vendors, and 3rd party contracts. Identifies opportunities to gain competitive advantage and proposes improvements and developments. Conducts cost benefit analyses for potential approaches and solutions. Aligns people and resources with LS&Co. strategic priorities.

• Reporting and Analytics – Uses data to identify people trends, patterns, issues and opportunities that have an impact on the business.  Gathers and analyses data to identify root causes of issues, successes, and trends which can impact payroll. Prepares financial reports as needed to meet internal and external reporting requirements

• Compliance - Responsible for payroll compliance and maintains up-to-date knowledge and understanding of laws, regulations, contracts, policies, procedures, and controls governing payroll operations across the region. Drives organization efficiency, effectiveness and compliance with internal and external audit requirements and standards, sound fiscal practices and performance scorecard. Make improvements or recommend major changes.  In coordination with 3rd party vendors (Wipro & payroll providers), ensure availability and proper maintenance of statutory and legal documentation required for audits and serves as LS&Co. point of contact for auditors' requirements, investigations, and meetings. 

• Resource and Vendor Management – Responsible for payroll vendor contracts and payroll calendars set up with the providers across the region. Trains, supervises and evaluates payroll resources and 3rd party vendors, as applicable. Drives regular collaboration forums to review performance against SLAs and means to increase efficiency. Determines work assignments and work priorities; recommends staffing levels and organization of staff especially in peak periods. Serves as the payroll SME to third party providers and business partners in such areas as interpreting policies, regulations and laws, analyzing needs and resolving problems as they arise regarding payroll matters or management practices.

• Change Management – Clarifies how the changes will help the organization meet business goals and articulates the benefits of change.  Challenges the status quo and creates an environment that adapts to rapid change.  Willingness to take calculated risks.  Motivates and involves stakeholders to help implement and support change and develops strategies to deal with resistance to change.  Applies systematic thinking to multiple change initiatives.

• Perform necessary functions and as directed, any other duties commensurate with the post to ensure the smooth running of the payroll function.

About you:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, CA/MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification with Payroll Professional Certification and minimum 10+ years of payroll experience.

• Ability to manage & evaluate a large payroll operation across multiple countries and payroll systems while partnering with specialists within LS&Co. and with external parties for advice and updates on local employment laws.

• Operational experience of managing payroll with working knowledge of payroll processes is important.

• Oversight of 3rd party provider preparation and posting of Payroll journals

• Conduct monthly and quarterly reviews of account reconciliations

• Support internal and external audits

• Knowledge of HR Workflows in a large delivery organization and the administration of a full range of payroll activities.

• Certified Payroll Professional Certification

• Strong English skills

• Experience with payroll vendor management and outsourcing with demonstrated contract and negotiation skills

• Advanced knowledge on local tax laws, structure and its impacts on the salary structure and understanding of filing of returns at year-end.

• Advanced knowledge of sound fiscal controls, including SOX, and laws governing payroll systems. Ability to resolve complex payroll and tax problems.

• Knowledge of HRMS and Payroll provider tools as well as Workday a plus.

• Demonstrated project management skills

• Collaborative approach, with strong ability to build relationships, gain credibility and partner with others, and effective at working with others in remote work settings

• Ability to research, analyze and evaluate complex problems and recommend solutions

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) developed interpersonal skills (influence, negotiation and diplomacy), knowledge of MS suite of applications (Outlook, Word, Excel), analytical skills (problem assessment, solution generation), demonstrated leadership abilities.

• Experience working within a shared services/global business services model.

• The ability to set and manage changing priorities in a fast-paced, high stress, team environment.

• Demonstrated decision making ability and excellent judgment.

Benefits:
We put a lot of thought into our programs to provide you with a benefits package that matters. Whether it is for medical care, taking time off, improving your health or planning for retirement, we've got you covered.

Here's a small snapshot:

• Complimentary preventive health check-up for you & your spouse

• OPD coverage

• Best in class leave plan including paternity & family care leaves

• Counselling sessions to prioritize mental well-being

• Exclusive discount vouchers on Levi's products

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to empowering individuals from all walks of life to achieve their professional goals with us, regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, or genetic information. We actively seek and encourage applications from diverse candidates, including those with disabilities, and offer accommodations throughout the selection process upon request.

To ensure that our products and culture continue to incorporate everyone's perspectives and experience, we never discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or marital, veteran, or disability status.