Job Summary
The Assistant Manager, HR Services is responsible for managing accurate and timely payroll operations across both in-house and outsourced payroll functions. In addition to day-to-day payroll processing, the role is expected to drive continuous improvement by simplifying processes, automating repetitive tasks, and adopting AI and digital tools to improve efficiency and service delivery. This is an individual contributor role that works closely with another payroll team member.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Operations
- Manage monthly payroll processing across all entities, including in-house payroll for Singapore and Malaysia, and outsourced payroll operations for the UK, Ireland, the US, Indonesia, and Thailand.
- Review and validate payroll calculations, including salaries, overtime, commissions, bonuses, and statutory and voluntary deductions.
- Manage outsourced payroll vendors to ensure service levels, compliance, and operational standards are met.
- Partner with Finance to improve payroll reconciliation, general ledger integration, and payroll processes.
- Manage year-end payroll activities, including payroll reconciliation, tax reporting, statutory submissions, and employee tax documents.
Process Improvement & AI Enablement
- Drive continuous improvement by identifying manual, repetitive, or error-prone payroll processes and implementing more efficient ways of working.
- Evaluate, test, and implement AI, automation, and digital tools to improve payroll processing, data validation, reconciliation, reporting, and exception handling.
- Use AI tools to strengthen payroll quality checks by identifying unusual payroll results, highlighting exceptions, and detecting potential errors before payroll sign-off.
- Partner with HRIS and IT to implement automation and AI solutions that support compliant and efficient multi-country payroll operations.
- Maintain and update payroll SOPs, including documenting new automated and AI-supported processes.
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure payroll complies with statutory and tax requirements across all countries.
- Monitor regulatory changes and update payroll processes accordingly.
- Lead and support payroll audits by preparing documentation, reviewing controls, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the main contact for payroll enquiries and escalations from HR, Finance, business units, and employees.
- Build and manage relationships with payroll vendors and benefits providers.
- Communicate payroll policies, statutory updates, and process changes clearly and proactively
Reporting
- Manages Singapore statutory survey submissions for all entities within the Group.
HR Operations Backup
- Provide operational coverage for HR transactional activities — onboarding, employee lifecycle changes, and offboarding as and when required.
Key Requirements
- Degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
- At least 8 years payroll experience, including regional payroll operations and outsourced vendor management.
- Strong knowledge of Singapore and Malaysia payroll legislation.
- Experience with payroll and HRIS systems (e.g. Prosoft, SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, Oracle).
- Experience driving process improvement, automation, or digital transformation initiatives.
- Comfortable using AI and digital tools to improve operational processes.
- Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Able to handle confidential information with discretion.
Preferred Skills
- Experience implementing AI, RPA, or workflow automation solutions in payroll or HR operations is an advantage.
- Experience managing regional outsourced payroll vendors.
- Familiarity with flexible benefits and leave management systems.
- Experience supporting payroll transformation or HR digitalization initiatives.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills.
Education
Bachelors in Human Resources or Finance
