Assistant Vice President - Global Payroll Services

Description : The Leader - Global Payroll Services will lead the end-to-end payroll delivery for a global organization, managing payroll operations across APAC and Europe, along with employee tax compliance for the United States and Puerto Rico.

This is a strategic leadership role responsible for not only ensuring operational excellence but also building strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor, and driving the implementation of global payroll initiatives, transformation programs, and continuous improvements.

The role will operate from the Chennai Delivery Center, serving as a key bridge between the clients global leadership and delivery teams.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Global Payroll Service Delivery (End-to-End Ownership) :

- Provide strategic and operational leadership for end-to-end payroll delivery across APAC and Europe.

Ensure seamless execution of:

- Pre-payroll activities

- Payroll processing

- Post-payroll operations

- Own payroll SLAs, KPIs, and service quality metrics.

- Drive standardization while ensuring compliance with country-specific regulations.

2. Client Relationship & Stakeholder Management (Critical) :

- Establish and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with the clients global payroll, HR, and finance leadership.

- Act as a single point of accountability for payroll service delivery.

Partner closely with the client to:

- Understand business priorities and challenges

- Co-create and implement payroll strategies

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives

- Lead governance forums, business reviews, and executive-level discussions.

- Provide insights, dashboards, and strategic recommendations to the client.

3. Payroll Transformation & Strategic Initiatives :

- Lead the implementation of all client-driven payroll initiatives, including:

- Global payroll transformation programs

- Process standardization and harmonization

- Payroll system implementations and migrations

- Automation and digitalization initiatives

- Identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency improvements.

- Drive a roadmap for future-ready payroll operations.

4. Employee Tax & Compliance Oversight :

- Ensure compliance with employee tax and social security regulations across APAC and Europe.

- Provide oversight for US and Puerto Rico payroll tax compliance, including:

- Federal, state, and local tax regulations

- Year-end reporting requirements (e.g., W-2)

- Collaborate with Tax and Legal teams to mitigate compliance risks.

- Ensure proactive tracking and implementation of regulatory changes.

5. Payroll Accounting & Financial Controls :

- Oversee payroll accounting processes:

- Journal entries, accruals, and provisions

- Payroll-to-GL reconciliations

- Ensure alignment with financial reporting and audit standards.

- Partner with Finance for month-end and year-end closing activities.

6. Governance, Risk & Compliance :

- Establish robust governance frameworks and internal controls.

- Ensure compliance with:

- Global and local statutory regulations

- Data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR)

- Lead internal and external audits and ensure zero compliance breaches.

7. Global Delivery Leadership (Chennai Hub) :

- Lead and scale a high-performing global payroll team based in Chennai.

- Manage regional leads supporting APAC and Europe operations.

- Drive capability building, cross-skilling, and succession planning.

- Ensure optimal workforce planning and delivery excellence.

8. Continuous Improvement & Innovation :

- Drive a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.

- Implement automation, analytics, and AI-driven payroll solutions where feasible.

- Benchmark against industry best practices.

Qualifications & Experience :

Education :

- Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, HR, or related field

- MBA or professional certifications (ACA, ACMA, CPA, etc.) preferred