Manager HR Services - Payroll SME

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

Within the framework of HR Services, this role is responsible for delivering expert knowledge and operational excellence across India payroll processes and payroll system implementation. The Payroll SME ensures compliant, accurate, and efficient payroll operations while supporting system transformation initiatives and continuous process improvements. The role contributes to enhancing service delivery through strong business partnering and process optimization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure accurate and timely execution of end-to-end India payroll operations in adherence to agreed SLAs
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and legal requirements including PF, ESI, PT, TDS, Gratuity, Bonus, and other applicable regulations
• Support the e2e payroll process in resolving complex queries and operational issues
• Drive payroll validation, reconciliations, and audit readiness
• Act as SME for payroll system implementation and transformation initiatives
• Gather business requirements and translate them into functional specifications
• Support system configuration, testing cycles, UAT, and payroll parallel runs
• Ensure smooth transition and stabilization post system implementation
• Ensure strong collaboration with business partners, HR, Finance, and external vendors
• Develop and report on payroll operational performance indicators
• Supervise adherence to payroll governance, controls, and data accuracy standards
• Drive process standardization, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure high-quality documentation including SOPs and work instructions
• During transitions:
  o Ensure proper process documentation and knowledge transfer
  o Ensure readiness of payroll processes for migration and implementation
  o Ensure proactive cooperation with local and global teams
  o Ensure successful stabilization prior to sign-off

Key Relationships:

• Sr. Manager Payroll / HR Services
• Global Functional Teams
• Country HR Leadership and Business Partners
• Finance and Controllership Teams
• Payroll & Benefits Vendors
• HR Services Teams
• IT / HRIS Teams
• External authorities, consultants, and auditors

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of India payroll processes and statutory compliance
• Good sense of organization, process orientation, and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated and results-driven team player
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills
• High level of affinity to and experience with payroll systems (SAP, Workday, Oracle, ADP, Ramco, etc.)
• Experience with system implementation and transformation projects
• Strong customer focus and service orientation
• Knowledge of process management and continuous improvement
• Complete familiarity with Microsoft Office or equivalent tools
• Able to read, write, and communicate fluently in English

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• University degree in Business Administration, Finance, Human Resources, or related field
• Minimum 8–12 years of experience in India payroll operations
• Proven experience in payroll system implementation or transformation projects
• Strong knowledge of statutory compliance and payroll regulations in India
• Experience in shared services or GBS environment preferred
• Hands-on experience with payroll/HRIS systems (SAP, SuccessFactors, Workday, etc.)
• Good knowledge of MS Office applications