US Payroll Specialist

Please note that this role is a hybrid position based out of Manila, Philippines.

About Us

The FT has an uncompromising mission: delivering independent, quality information, news and services to individuals and companies around the globe. It’s the cornerstone of our reputation and the heart of our ambitions for the future. But for our people, the FT offers so much more than what we do. FT people come from all kinds of backgrounds and work across a huge range of disciplines and locations, and find an empowering, warm and welcoming culture that values curiosity and rewards smart, ambitious thinking. Those who are willing to unite around our mission and live our values will find plenty to challenge, inspire and interest them. Like the audiences we serve, no two FT people are the same; but together we help our audience be better informed and understand the world around them. It’s a job that’s never mattered more, and a career that can take you anywhere you want to go.

The role

A member of the Financial Times’s Global HR team, the US Payroll Specialist will provide payroll administration for the US arm of the Financial Times. This position will be responsible for the preparation of US payroll as well as special projects and administrative support for local and global HR projects and services. 

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of payroll processes and tax regulations, and have the ability to partner with various departments to address employee inquiries, discrepancies, and contribute to the overall efficiency of our payroll operations

Given the nature of our ever-evolving business, we require someone who is easily adaptable and comfortable in a changing environment. 

Key Responsibilities:

Prepare, administer and check US payroll via our outsourced managed services payroll vendor, ActivPayroll (AP), including inputting approved pay adjustments, personnel transactions such as new hires, terminations; employee status changes, benefit deductions, commission and bonus payments, 401k changes, garnishments, loan collection, leaves of absence, tax adjustments etc.

Identify and calculate pay adjustments due to changes taking effect in the middle of a pay period, or prior pay period

Manage, verify, and process the timesheets for our non-exempt employees

Build a strong relationship with the payroll vendor and keep up excellent communication channels in relation to live payroll runs and ongoing projects as well as via leading monthly Payroll Governance calls

Actively support Workday HRIS and implementation of new features that improve the payroll process and/or data and compliance

Maintain and update the integrity of employee data and files in all systems in a timely manner, ensuring that all incoming changes are accurately recorded and processed

Ensure that transactions are processed in compliance with internal policies and procedures as well as government agency regulations

Maintain the flow of documentation through electronic file feeds for payroll changes including clear communication with AP, benefits vendors, and internal departments to ensure accuracy and timeliness of payroll changes, auditing of payroll & HR systems

Provide exceptional customer service and act as primary point person to address current and former employee inquiries regarding pay

Run and analyze compensation and other payroll and HRIS reports as requested

Conduct quarterly and annual audits to ensure accuracy, while working to remediate any required corrective actions

Perform other duties and special projects as assigned or as responsibilities dictate

Required skills and experience 

Excellent written and spoken English

Minimum of 1 year relevant end-to-end US payroll experience covering payroll calculations, adjustments, audits, and other related tasks

Amenable to work in US shift patterns (9:00 PM - 5:00 AM Philippine time) on a hybrid-remote arrangement

Experience working with an outsourced payroll provider

Has hands-on proficient experience in conducting and managing payroll calculations

Structured, organized, proactive, process orientated

High attention to detail and ability to follow instructions

Self starter, comfortable working autonomously without direction or in-person colleages; ability to effectively prioritize workload

Proven ability to anticipate needs, identify tasks without explicit direction

Use prior payroll experience to make suggestions and lead processes with confidence 

Ability to maintain a high level of trust, discretion and integrity to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation

Excellent interpersonal, problem solving and customer service skills

Ability to liaise with employees at all levels of the organization

Proficient in MS Excel and the Google Drive systems

Flexibility with working within a Global Organization across multiple time zones

Preferred Experience

Preferred background or education in Accounting, Finance or other related field

Proven experience with payroll systems in a similar role or capacity

Proficiency in Workday HRIS

Experience working in a shared services industry

Our benefits vary depending on location, but we are committed to providing best in class perks across all our offices as well as an inclusive environment to develop your career. Examples of our benefits include; generous annual leave allowances, flexible working (including working from home), medical cover, enhanced maternity & paternity packages, subsidised gym memberships and Giving Back opportunities. Full details of our benefits can be found here .

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace

The FT is committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer who seeks to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We believe that a supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves at work and have the flexibility they need to meet their personal needs.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements, or have any questions, please contact  and a member of our team will be happy to help.

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