Sr Manager, Payroll Accounting

Drive accounting support within finance transformation work programs and other process enhancements Provide accounting expertise and leadership to finance and business organizations Consult with business partners regularly to ensure awareness of significant transactions and potential accounting impact Ensure compliance with US GAAP and relevant local GAAP, statutory and regulatory requirements across all supported countries, in partnership with local controllership teams. Own and enhance internal controls over payroll accounting, including SOX‑relevant controls, segregation of duties and interface controls between payroll and ERP. Support internal and external audits, tax and regulatory audits and inquiries, ensuring timely, accurate and well‑documented responses. Partner with Tax, HR/Benefits and local finance teams on regulatory reporting, surveys, fringe benefit assessments and other payroll‑related filings as needed. 8+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Lead the global payroll accounting team supporting APAC, EMEA, NA and LATAM regions, providing direction, coaching and performance management to senior accountants and analysts. Own end‑to‑end month‑end and quarter‑end close for payroll accounting globally, including review and approval of journal entries, payroll‑related accruals and reclasses. Ensure robust balance sheet reconciliations for payroll and employee benefit‑related accounts, with timely clearance of reconciling items across all entities and regions. Oversee preparation and review of payroll expense fluctuation and variance analysis, providing clear, insight‑driven explanations of key drivers to Finance and business stakeholders. Monitor and resolve issues with interfaces between ADP and the ERP (current and S/4 HANA), including review and approval of manual corrections and exception handling. Transformation, transition and standardization Design and drive a multi‑year roadmap for transformation of global payroll accounting processes, focusing on standardization, automation, scalability and control strength. Lead transition and knowledge‑transfer activities as additional country scope and processes move into the Bangalore‑based global payroll accounting hub. Harmonize close calendars, reconciliations, documentation standards and KPIs across APAC, EMEA, NA and LATAM to create a consistent global operating model. Identify opportunities to streamline account structure, mappings and workflows between ADP and S/4 HANA; partner with Payroll Operations, HRIS and IT to implement improvements. Champion continuous improvement, Lean and automation (templates, macros, system rules, workflow tools) to reduce manual effort and error risk in payroll accounting. S/4 HANA implementation and systems Act as payroll accounting workstream owner for S/4 HANA implementation, including requirements definition, design reviews, testing and sign‑off for processes impacting payroll GL and reporting. Oversee design and maintenance of payroll GL mappings, integration logic and reconciliation controls between ADP and S/4 HANA (including BW/analytics layer where applicable). Ensure creation and maintenance of end‑to‑end process documentation, control matrices and user guides for S/4 HANA and ADP‑related payroll accounting processes. Serve as primary point of contact for senior stakeholders in Payroll Operations, HR, Controllership, FP&A and regional finance on payroll accounting matters. Communicate clearly and proactively on close status, risks, issues, and transformation progress to finance leadership. Develop and mentor a high‑performing team, focused on technical excellence, ownership, collaboration and continuous improvement. CA (India), CPA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent professional accounting qualification required. 15+ years of progressive accounting experience with significant focus on payroll accounting in a multinational environment, including at least 5 years in a people‑management or leadership role. Demonstrated experience leading global or multi‑region payroll accounting teams supporting APAC, EMEA and the Americas. Proven track record in transformation, transition and standardization of finance or payroll accounting processes in a shared services or global delivery model. Hands‑on experience with ADP global payroll solutions (e.g., ADP GlobalView, ADP Streamline, ADP Celergo or similar) and their integration with ERP/GL systems. Strong experience with SAP S/4 HANA (and preferably BW/analytics) in a payroll accounting context, including system implementations or major upgrades. Strategic yet hands‑on leader, able to move between operational detail and broader transformation agenda. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex accounting topics to non‑finance stakeholders. Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, with a continuous improvement mindset and bias for action. Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑growth, global environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.