Senior Payroll Manager

Overview

The Senior Payroll Manager will lead and manage end-to-end payroll operations for two sites with a total employee strength of 700+. Based in Mumbai, this role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, overseeing employee benefits administration, and ensuring full compliance with all India statutory payroll and labor regulations. The position requires strong leadership, operational excellence, and deep expertise in payroll governance.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations

• Lead full-cycle monthly payroll processing for 700+ employees across two sites, ensuring 100% accuracy and timeliness.
• Supervise payroll team members and oversee validations, reconciliations, payroll inputs, and approvals.
• Manage payroll inputs including new hires, separations, transfers, attendance, overtime, incentives, bonuses, arrears, and reimbursements.
• Execute monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll activities such as Form 16 issuance, income tax computation, proof-of-investment verification, and year-end reconciliations.
• Address employee payroll queries promptly and manage exceptions with sound judgment.

Employee Benefits Management

• Oversee employee benefits administration including medical insurance, group insurance, wellness benefits, leave policies, and statutory benefits (PF, ESIC, gratuity).
• Ensure timely employee enrollment, updates, and removal from benefits platforms and vendor systems.
• Work with insurance brokers and vendors on renewals, claims resolution, escalations, and service enhancements.
• Conduct routine audits to ensure data accuracy and alignment with policies.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure payroll and benefits practices fully comply with India statutory regulations (Income Tax Act, PF Act, ESIC Act, Payment of Wages Act, Shops & Establishment Act, Payment of Bonus Act, Gratuity Act, etc.).
• Stay updated with regulatory changes from EPFO, ESIC, labour ministries, and tax authorities; drive timely implementation of changes.
• Manage payroll audits (internal, statutory, and external) and prepare all audit documentation and reconciliations.
• Maintain robust internal controls, approvals, segregation of duties, and documentation standards.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Optimize payroll processes through automation, digitization, and elimination of manual interventions.
• Lead payroll system upgrades, integrations, UAT testing, and enhancements with HR, Finance, and IT stakeholders.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and data insights for management decision-making.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop payroll team capabilities to ensure operational excellence.
• Act as a key business partner to HRBPs, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to support business operations.
• Present payroll analytics, compliance updates, and key risks to leadership as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 8–10 years of progressive payroll experience in India, with at least 3 years in a managerial role handling large or multi-site payroll.
• Strong understanding of India payroll laws, statutory deductions, tax rules, and compliance requirements (PF, ESIC, LWF, Gratuity, Bonus, Income Tax).
• Experience with benefits administration and vendor management.
• Proficiency with payroll and HRIS systems (e.g., SAP, ADP, Ramco, etc.).
• High attention to detail, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with senior stakeholders.
• High integrity and commitment to confidentiality.