Lead Payroll Specialist

Employment Type: Full-time Work Location: Remote - PHILIPPINES Compensation: With flexibility based on certification, multi-country payroll experience, technical expertise, and overall qualifications. ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY Due to continued growth, we are seeking a highly experienced Senior Payroll Specialist with high-level payroll expertise to lead end-to-end payroll for our growing workforce. This is a senior role for a payroll expert with deep, hands-on experience who can own accurate, on-time, compliant payroll across multiple pay groups and, where applicable, multiple countries. We are particularly interested in CPP-, FPC-, or equivalently certified professionals, but we will also consider highly accomplished non-certified payroll leads with directly relevant high-volume or multi-entity experience. The position is fully remote and works closely with HR, Finance, and Recruitment as the go-to expert for payroll questions, audits, and process improvement. RESPONSIBILITIES - Manage and process full-cycle payroll for all employees and pay groups, ensuring accuracy and on-time delivery every cycle. - Calculate and validate wages, overtime, allowances, bonuses, commissions, deductions, and final pay. - Administer statutory deductions, government contributions, and tax withholdings, and file remittances by required deadlines. - Reconcile payroll registers, general ledger entries, and bank transfers with Finance each cycle. - Maintain and audit employee payroll data, including new hires, terminations, salary changes, and leave balances. - Review timekeeping and attendance data and resolve discrepancies before processing. - Prepare payroll reports, year-end tax documents, and data for internal and external audits. - Serve as the subject-matter expert on payroll policy, labor regulations, and compliance requirements. - Answer employee and manager payroll inquiries professionally and resolve issues promptly. - Identify and implement process improvements, controls, and automation within payroll and HRIS systems. - Lead, coach, and review the work of payroll staff, and act as the final escalation point for payroll issues. - Maintain confidentiality of all employee compensation and personal data. QUALIFICATIONS - 8+ years of progressive payroll experience, including at least 3–5 years in a senior or lead payroll role. - CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification), or equivalent credential strongly preferred. - Highly experienced non-certified payroll professionals with a proven senior-level track record are encouraged to apply. - Expert-level knowledge of payroll tax, statutory contributions, and labor regulations in [country/countries]. - Proven ability to independently resolve complex payroll issues, audits, and compliance matters without supervision. - Proficiency with payroll and HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, Workday, or similar) and advanced Excel. - Exceptional accuracy, attention to detail, and analytical skills. - Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. - Commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and compliant, high-quality work. - Clear written and verbal communication skills. - Reliable internet connection and a secure, quiet home workspace. - Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE - Multi-state or multi-country payroll (e.g., Philippines, Singapore, UAE, US). - Payroll for staffing, recruitment, or high-volume hourly workforces. - Payroll system implementation, migration, or automation projects. - Year-end processing, payroll audits, and statutory reporting. - Benefits, leave, and timekeeping administration. - Working with outsourced payroll providers or employer-of-record partners. WHY JOIN US? - Join a growing business that is investing in its people and operations. - Work fully remote while owning a high-impact function every employee relies on. - Shape payroll processes, controls, and systems as the company scales. - Receive competitive compensation based on your credentials and experience, with flexibility above the typical hiring range for exceptional qualifications. - Build a long-term career with a team that values accuracy, integrity, and continuous learning. We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics. Originally posted on Himalayas