Senior Payroll Operation Specialist

Job description

JOB SUMMARY The Senior Payroll Operations Specialist is responsible for managing and coordinating end-to-end payroll operations across multiple countries within the Asia Pacific region. The role acts as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and outsourced payroll service providers to ensure payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with local statutory requirements and company policies. The incumbent will support payroll governance, compliance activities, data validation, reporting, payroll accounting support, and process improvement initiatives. The role works closely with Human Resources, Finance, Tax, external payroll vendors, and business stakeholders to ensure effective payroll service delivery and a positive associate experience. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS Primary Business Partners: Regional Finance & Accounting Team Payroll Accounting Team Human Resources Business Partners (HRBP) Corporate Compensation & Benefits Team Regional Business Leaders and Department Managers Shared Services Leaderships Team Interfaces With: Outsourced Payroll Services Providers HR System Administrators Government Agencies and Statutory Authorities Internal & External Auditors Banking Partners Associates across the Asia Pacific region JOB SPECIFIC TASKS Payroll Operations Coordinate and oversee payroll operations across Asia Pacific countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, and other countries as assigned. Review and validate payroll inputs submitted by HR and business stakeholders to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with company policies. Work closely with outsourced payroll providers to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing. Validate payroll calculations, including salaries, allowances, overtime, commissions, incentives, bonuses, final payments, and statutory deductions. Review payroll output reports and identify anomalies, exceptions, or processing errors before payroll finalization. Ensure payroll transactions are processed in accordance with local employment legislation, tax regulations, and corporate policies. Support payroll cut-off activities and ensure payroll calendars and deadlines are consistently met. Respond to payroll-related enquiries from associates and stakeholders. Payroll Compliance & Statutory Reporting Ensure payroll compliance with local labor laws, tax regulations, social security requirements, and statutory obligations in each country. Coordinate and support statutory payroll submissions, including but not limited to CPF, MPF, social security contributions, tax filings, and other country-specific requirements. Process and monitor government reimbursement and grant claims where applicable. Support annual payroll reporting requirements, including IR8A, IR21, tax equalization reporting, and other employee tax-related filings. Monitor regulatory changes impacting payroll operations and recommend appropriate process updates. Payroll Controls & Governance Maintain strong internal controls over payroll processes and employee data. Manage headcount reconciliations and validation checks to ensure payroll accuracy. Support payroll balance sheet reconciliations in partnership with Payroll Accountant. Support Internal and external audit request relating to payroll Ensure payroll records are maintained in accordance with company policies and data privacy requirements. Safeguard confidential employee and payroll information at all times. Payroll Vendor Management Serve as key contact for payroll service providers on day-to-day payroll matters Monitor and manage the payroll processing timelines and escalate issues where necessary Participate in payroll process reviews and identify opportunities to improve service quality and efficiency. Assist with payroll system enhancements, testing, and implementation projects as required. Shared Services Operations & Controls Overall accountability for the shared services delivery of core payroll processes including but not limited to Accounting, Planning and Analysis, Tax, Business Partner Relations, Ensure compliance with payroll policies, IFRS/GAAP, and reporting requirements. Maintain accurate supporting documentation and audit trails. Execute and document SOX controls and other key control activities. Support statutory and regulatory reporting requirements where applicable. Ensure adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and operational performance targets. Support governance initiatives and control enhancement programs. Governance and Controls: Maintain a strong internal control environment through compliance with established procedures. Ensure all payroll computation is properly supported and approved. Identify control gaps and recommend process improvements. Support remediation of audit findings and control deficiencies. Maintain process documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Promote compliance and risk awareness across payroll operations activities. Continuous Improvement & Transformation Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes and improve efficiency. Support automation, standardization, and digital transformation initiatives. Participate in ERP enhancements, upgrades, and testing activities Contribute to migration and transition activities within Shared Services. Share best practices and support knowledge transfer across the team. Assist in the implementation of payroll processes and payroll systems in new locations (if any) Any other duties as and when assigned from time to time. CANDIDATE PROFILE Preferred Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline. Minimum 5–7 years of payroll operations experience, including multi-country APAC payroll administration. Experience working with outsourced payroll providers in a regional environment. Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, tax regulations, and statutory requirements across APAC markets. Experience supporting payroll audits, reconciliations, and payroll accounting activities Exposure to payroll system implementations and process improvement projects preferred. Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Knowledge of payroll accounting and general ledger reconciliation. High level of integrity and confidentiality. Ability to work independently and collaboratively across regional teams. Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. COMPETENCIES, BASIC SKILLS, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Managing Execution Driving for Results – Delivers accurate and timely outputs. Planning and Organizing – Effectively manages priorities during close cycles. Accountability – Takes ownership of assigned processes and deliverables. Building Relationships Collaboration – Works effectively across teams and geographies. Stakeholder Management – Builds productive relationships with internal business partners. Customer Focus – Provides responsive and high-quality support. Learning and Applying Professional Expertise Technical Accounting Knowledge – Applies accounting principles and policies effectively. Financial Analysis – Interprets financial information and identifies key drivers. Governance and Controls – Maintains a strong control and compliance mindset. Continuous Improvement – Identifies and implements operational efficiencies. Business Acumen – Understands business impacts and financial outcomes. Marriott Vacations Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture.