The Payroll Head will lead and oversee end-to-end payroll operations for India. The role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing, while driving transformation through technology, automation, and global process alignment. This position plays a critical role in building payroll talent, ensuring statutory compliance, and supporting global payroll processes with a focus on efficiency and scalability.

Implements, maintains, and reviews payroll processing systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, taxes, and other deductions Monitoring payroll system and Vendor's performance and tracking NICI LA Metrics and Dashboards

About:

- Problem solving: Responding to payroll-related inquiries and fix the issues by engaging the appropriate parties, like system vendor, global payroll experts etc.

- Ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates.

- Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of payroll transactions.

- Ensures compliance with Central, State, and local payroll, wage, and best practices

- Facilitates audits by providing records and documentation to auditors

-Identifies and recommends updates to payroll processing systems and procedures via change requests

Essential capabilities:

Capabilities, Experience & Qualification Requirements:

- The role requires collaborating with HR COES to strategize, design & implement processes that ensures alignment with HR Policies, Statutory/regulatory acts, and governing Employment Laws.

- Lead programs and projects on a global scale to drive process streamlining and remove complexities through automation and simplification.

- Strong exposure to global payroll processes, transitions, and shared services operating models. Responsible for designing, deploying, and embedding a strong process governance & Risk assurance framework.

- Provides leadership support to the team by setting performance objective and timely monitoring the same through regular review, timely coaching, and performance development programs. Focused KPI and Quality review to ensure seamless & consistent delivery. Strongly drives Fun & Engagement activities, Employee welfare activities and supported initiatives on Diversity & Inclusion

- Expert-level knowledge of Indian payroll laws, tax regulations, and statutory compliance (PF, ESIC, PT, Gratuity, Bonus Act, LWF, Shops & Establishment Act, Income Tax, etc.). Proven team leadership and talent-building capabilities.

- Strong stakeholder management skills with global HR, Finance, and Compliance teams. Tech-savvy with hands-on expertise in HRIS, ERP, and payroll systems (e.g., Workday, SAP, ADP).

- Driving automation projects within Payroll to reduce transactions & increase efficiency by Other capabilities reducing errors & cost by 10% (YoY) and thereby enhancing employee experience

- Team management: monitor team member's performance and development, oversees the daily workflow of the department and provides constructive and timely performance evaluations Customer service: Work closely with key stakeholders to ensure meet customer requirements Simplification and continuous improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance working efficiency by simplification or Cl

- Driving the Regulatory compliance and Board Reporting

- Performs other duties as assigned like monitors/reviews staff benefits and HR administration Ensuring Full & Final Settlements of Employee are closed with the accepted SLA's Ensuring adherence to all Process as defined to minimize Risks and ensure issues are identified & called out within accepted timelines.

Problem Solving:

- Strong initiative and self-starter

- Good written and oral communication Organisational Structure Mapping

Qualification Requirements:

- Bachelor's/Master's degree in Commerce, Finance, HR, or related field. Preferred: MBA in HR/Finance.

- Payroll & compliance certifications(preferred) such as: Indian Payroll Compliance Certification (NIPM, IHRP, or similar) Certified Payroll Professional/Global Payroll Management Certificate SAP/Workday/ADP Payroll certification (preferred).

Experience:

- Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes, social security. Knowledge of Labor Law is preferable Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

- Strong supervisory and leadership skills

- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software Proficient with payroll SAP system

- Experience working in Global Capability Centers /GCC or multinational organizations.

- Demonstrated track record of managing large-scale payroll operations and compliance.

- Proven success in migrating/transitioning payroll processes across geographies.

Challenges:

- Approving payroll policies, processes, and internal controls for India operations.

- Defining payroll governance framework in alignment with local statutory requirements and global standards.

- Selection and implementation of payroll systems/technology upgrades. Workforce planning and hiring decisions for payroll team talent.

- Vendor and service provider evaluation and engagement.

- Strategic decisions on migrating and consolidating global payroll processes into the India GCC.

Key tasks; accountabilities and challenges of this role:

- Ensuring Right Payroll Payments are made to the Right person at the Right time Ensuring all Payroll related queries are closed within SLA

- Lead end-to-end payroll processing for India ensuring 100% compliance and accuracy. Ensuring key metrics as defined are delivered within SLA

- Ensuring adherence to all Risk standards are maintained while ensuring additional pay-outs are entered into the system Drive global payroll migration projects into the India GCC, ensuring seamless transition. Implement payroll process automation, analytics, and digital transformation initiatives. Build, develop, and mentor a high-performing payroll team with future-ready skills. Partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and external auditors to ensure transparency and accuracy. Ensure vendor performance and adherence to SLAs in outsourced payroll processes. Create payroll MIS, dashboards, and reporting for leadership and regulatory purposes.