Specialist, APAC Payroll

foodpanda is part of the Delivery Hero Group, the world’s pioneering local delivery platform, our mission is to deliver an amazing experience—fast, easy, and to your door. We operate in over 70+ countries worldwide. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Delivery Hero has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2017 and is part of the MDAX stock market index.

About the Opportunity

The Specialist, APAC Payroll (IC2) supports the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations across APAC, with a primary focus on Philippines payroll and cross-support responsibilities for APAC markets  payroll.

This role is responsible for payroll data validation, reconciliations, statutory documentation, and employee query handling, while operating within established payroll processes, controls, and compliance frameworks.

The Specialist works closely with Payroll Managers, Payroll Specialists, Finance, and People & Culture teams to ensure payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and a positive employee experience. While complex or high-risk matters are escalated appropriately, the role independently manages day-to-day payroll operations with a strong emphasis on precision, accountability, and compliance.

The role also provides exposure to other APAC payroll markets as part of a regional shared services model, supporting continuous improvement and knowledge scalability across markets.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Execution & Data Management

• Collect, validate, and process payroll input data (e.g., allowances, deductions, adjustments, overtime, leave impacts) in line with payroll calendars and cut-offs.
• Ensure payroll data accuracy and completeness prior to payroll processing, particularly for Philippines statutory and regulatory requirements (e.g., SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, BIR).
• Support cross-market payroll validation (i.e. TH, MY, etc), including statutory deductions and compliance checks.
• Perform gross-to-net payroll checks and assist in payroll output validation.
• Conduct payroll reconciliations (statutory, bank files, GL reports), identify discrepancies, and escalate unresolved issues appropriately.
• Support payroll off-cycle runs (e.g., final pay, adjustments, bonuses).

Payroll Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate payroll records in accordance with internal controls, audit requirements, and data privacy standards.
• Prepare and issue statutory payroll documentation in line with Philippines and other APAC markets regulations (e.g., tax forms, annualizations reports, contribution reports, separation documents).
• Ensure compliance with company payroll policies, statutory obligations, and documented SOPs across supported markets.
• Support audit and compliance reviews by providing payroll documentation and reconciliation evidence.

Stakeholder Support & Query Resolution

• Act as a first point of contact for employee payroll queries in the Philippines market.
• Provide clear, accurate, and timely responses on payslips, statutory deductions, final pay, tax matters, and payroll adjustments.
• Track recurring payroll issues and trends, escalating systemic or complex matters for root-cause resolution.
• Partner with People & Culture and Finance teams to resolve payroll discrepancies and reporting needs.

Process Support & Systems Monitoring

• Run standard payroll and audit reports to validate payroll accuracy and identify missing or inconsistent data.
• Monitor payroll system integrations and interfaces, flagging potential issues or data breaks.
• Perform manual simulations of payroll scenarios, including hypothetical adjustments or edge cases, to verify system calculations and ensure compliance before actual payroll runs.
• Support payroll system testing (UAT/regression testing) during regulatory updates, system enhancements, or vendor transitions.
• Contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives within the APAC payroll model.

What We’re Looking For

• 2–4 years of payroll operations experience, with Philippines payroll exposure strongly preferred.
• Exposure to Thailand payroll is an advantage.
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business, or related field.
• Working knowledge of Philippines labor laws, DOLE guidelines, and statutory contributions (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, BIR).
• Familiarity with outsourced payroll vendors and payroll systems is a plus.
• Experience supporting regional or multi-country payroll operations is an advantage.
• High attention to detail and comfort working with systems and government portals.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet payroll cut-offs in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, adaptable, and collaborative team player with a strong sense of ownership.
• Comfortable working onsite and collaborating with regional teams 

What We Offer

• A dynamic and challenging regional payroll environment.
• A company committed to developing you personally and professionally.
• Exposure to multi-country payroll operations across APAC.
• A vibrant and international team committed to diversity and inclusion.
• Responsibility from day one in a fast-growing and global organization.