Senior Manager - Payroll & Compliance

Role Purpose:

The role is responsible for end-to-end payroll operations and statutory compliance management for a large workforce of 1500+ employees , ensuring accuracy, timeliness, legal compliance, and strong data controls through leveraging HRMS / payroll systems and advanced Excel to ensure accuracy, control, compliance, and data-driven reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

1. End-to-End Payroll Management

• Independently manage payroll processing for 1500+ employees across locations and employee categories.
• Validate payroll inputs, attendance, leave, reimbursements, incentives, arrears, and deductions.
• Handle full & final settlements , gratuity calculations, bonus payouts, and leave encashment.
• Ensure timely salary disbursement with minimal errors and zero disruption.

2. Statutory & Payroll Compliance

• Operate and manage payroll through HRMS / payroll software platforms.
• Configure and maintain payroll structures, salary components, tax rules, and statutory mappings in HRMS.
• Ensure seamless integration between HRMS, attendance systems, and payroll modules.
• Ensure compliance with all payroll-related laws and regulations including:
• Provident Fund (PF), Employees State Insurance (ESI), Professional Tax (PT), Income Tax (TDS on salaries), Bonus Act, Gratuity Act, LWF.
• Prepare and file statutory returns, challans, and reconciliations.
• Handle statutory audits, inspections, notices, and compliance queries.
• Track and implement changes in payroll and labor laws.

3. Payroll MIS & Reporting

• Prepare monthly payroll MIS, variance analysis, and cost reports.
• Maintain compliance trackers, reconciliation statements, and audit schedules.
• Use advanced Excel functions such as Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, IF, SUMIFS, data validation, and macros (preferred).
• Support management and audit requirements with accurate and timely payroll data.

4. Payroll Controls & Process Improvement

• Establish and maintain strong payroll controls and approval mechanisms.
• Identify gaps and risks in payroll and compliance processes.
• Drive process improvements, automation, and system enhancements to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with internal policies.

5. Stakeholder, Vendor & Audit Coordination

• Coordinate with HR, Finance, auditors, consultants, and payroll vendors.
• Resolve payroll-related employee escalations within defined timelines.
• Support internal, statutory, and tax audits related to payroll.

Candidate Profile Mandatory Requirements:

• Experience: 812 years in Payroll & Compliance
• Large Payroll Exposure: Mandatory experience handling payroll for 1500+ employees
• Compliance Expertise: Strong hands-on knowledge of all payroll-related statutory compliances
• HRMS / Payroll Systems: Proven experience working on HRMS and payroll software platforms
• Advanced Excel: Excellent Excel skills are mandatory
• Strong attention to detail, ownership mindset, and compliance orientation

Qualifications:

• Graduate/Postgraduate in Commerce, Finance, or related field preferred.

Why This Role Matters

• High-impact role managing large-scale payroll operations
• Direct accountability for compliance risk mitigation
• Opportunity to streamline and strengthen payroll governance