Payroll Specialist, APJ

Reporting to the Global Finance Manager, this role offers the opportunity to take full ownership of our payroll function across Australia, Singapore and Japan. Based in Sydney, you will be the primary lead for all end-to-end payroll activities, ensuring our people are paid accurately and in a timely manner while maintaining strict compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

You will work at the intersection of Finance and HR, acting as the subject matter expert for all payroll queries. You will be empowered to streamline systems, strengthen internal controls, and contribute to international projects that enhance the employee experience across our APAC entities.

Working closely with both Finance and People & Culture, you will serve as the subject matter expert for payroll-related matters across the APAC region. This role offers the opportunity to drive process improvements, enhance internal controls, and participate in global initiatives aimed at improving systems, scalability, and the overall employee experience.

• End-to-End Processing: Manage the full payroll lifecycle, including offboarding (A-Z) for entities in Australia, Singapore, and Japan, including data entry, manual adjustments, and final approvals.
• Statutory Compliance: Ensure all regional filings are accurate and timely, including Australian Superannuation, Payroll Tax, and PAYG; Singaporean CPF and IR8A; and Japanese withholding taxes and social insurance.
• Accounting: Own payroll journals in our ERP system. Reconcile PTO accruals, bonuses, commissions, and salary changes.
• Vendor Coordination: Partner with external payroll providers to ensure local regulatory changes are reflected in our processes.
• Reporting: Prepare detailed payroll reports for the Finance team, including GL breakouts, monthly summaries, and headcount analysis.

What You’ll Bring

• Multinational Experience: At least 3–5 years of end-to-end payroll experience, with a proven track record of managing payroll for Australia and at least one other Asian market (Singapore or Japan highly regarded).
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced Excel skills are essential. Experience with NetSuite and SuccessFactors is a significant advantage.
• Compliance Knowledge: A deep understanding of the Fair Work Act (AU); knowledge of the Employment Act (SG), and general familiarity with Japanese labor standards are advantages.
• Detail Obsession: A natural "auditor" mindset with an uncompromising commitment to accuracy and data confidentiality.
• Communication: Clear, professional English communication skills with the ability to explain complex payroll concepts to a diverse workforce. Here are the modified case study questions, focused entirely on the Australian context, to examine a candidate's essential knowledge for the role: