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.