Payroll & Benefits Specialist

The Sr. Payroll & Benefits Specialist will help us manage and execute our payroll and benefits programs. Reporting to the Director, Talent in India, this role will focus on creating and executing a compelling payroll and benefits framework. We are looking for a stellar candidate with strong execution skills, who is well-versed with industry insights and practical knowledge on all payroll and benefits matters. 

• Be the Payroll & Benefits Senior Specialist for India.
• Responsible for designing and delivering against the agreed payroll and benefits strategy for India, ensuring our programs conform with local market practices and follow legal requirements.
• Manage relationships with relevant vendors and client groups aligned to payroll and benefits.
• Drive robust and detailed project management plans for the implementation of identified payroll and benefits programs in India, including the design, implementation, and maintenance of these processes and programs, including the management of new proposals.
• Effectively manage payroll operations for India – payroll inputs, adjustments, off-cycle payments reconciliation, and advising and monitoring effective and timely operations working with the payroll vendor.
• Manage and advise on payroll-related compliances working with vendors and internal teams.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date payroll records, collaborate with the internal team in periodic audits, and ensure proper statutory deductions including income tax, provident fund, employee state insurance, professional tax, and other applicable contributions in compliance with Indian labour laws.
• Work with the global team, understanding the compensation benchmarking details and market pricing. Provide advice on the right direction to help scale our talent strategy (recruitment and retention). Prior experience working with salary benchmarking surveys and tools required.
• Oversee our wellness and benefits offerings and management. Conduct benefits benchmarking and provide guidance on keeping our benefits in line with our employer value proposition.
• Present the payroll and benefits overview in relevant forums (new hire orientation, employee sessions, etc.) and address all employee queries as a point person.
• Work closely with all vendors (medical, payroll, benefits) in addressing issues in the moment and helping us create an optimal employee experience.
• Recommend and implement improvements to payroll and benefits processes and systems, document the processes for internal and external stakeholders. Provide guidance/training to the Tier I team on various payroll/benefits-related inquiries.
• Participate in system upgrades, testing, and configuration of HRIS/payroll modules.

• Graduation from any business school with a human resource or business-related degree.

• 7 years of experience working in the HR domain with at least 5 years experience focused on managing payroll and benefits programs for India.

• Experience working for international companies with payroll and benefits experience; a consulting background is preferable.

• Strong communication skills, able to influence stakeholders with compelling data analysis and storytelling.

• Expertise in budgeting, vendor assessment, data requirement gathering, project management, and process design & governance.

• Strong networks and connections within peer companies.

• Thorough understanding of the market landscape and practices in the payroll and benefits space.

• Experience solving complex problems, designing creative and innovative strategies, and delivering significant impact with specialist domain knowledge and technical expertise in payroll and benefits.

• Experience managing vendor-related implementations, change management, and implementation.

• Analytical bias, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to analyze data trends and themes.

• Comfortable with complex data, with a strength in using Excel and strong data analytical skills.

• Able to demonstrate confidence, influence, and credibility.

• Able to work under pressure and maintain attention to detail.

• Strong focus on optimizing for technology and efficiency.