Payroll Specialist I

Job Purpose

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of employee compensation in compliance with organizational policies, contractual terms, and regulatory requirements. This role supports the full payroll cycle, maintains payroll data integrity, resolves discrepancies, and coordinates with HR team, Finance, and other departments to deliver a seamless payroll experience. Payroll Specialist safeguards sensitive payroll information ensures adherence to statutory obligations, and contributes to process improvements that enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and employee satisfaction.

Job Description

Payroll Processing Accuracy & Timeliness

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of monthly payroll for all employees.
• Validate attendance, overtime, allowances, and deductions before payroll finalization.
• Conduct pre-and post-payroll audits to minimize errors.
• Maintain 100% compliance with payroll deadlines.

Data Management & Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate payroll data in HRIS and payroll systems.
• Update employee salary changes, benefits, leave adjustments, and service payments promptly.
• Ensure payroll records are stored securely and in compliance with company policy and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare reports for HR, Finance, and management as needed.

Compliance & Regulatory Adherence

• Ensure payroll activities comply with labor laws, tax regulations, GOSI rules, and company policies.
• Process statutory deductions (e.g., GOSI, income tax if applicable) accurately and on schedule.
• Keep updated on changes in payroll-related regulations and communicate their impacts.

Employee Support & Issue Resolution

• Respond to payroll-related inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies or employee concerns regarding salaries, allowances, or deductions.
• Provide employees with accurate and timely pay slips, certifications, and payroll confirmations.

Compensation Management

• Enforces budget limits and guidelines at every level.
• Ensures compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Generates personalized compensation statements for employees.
• Maintain a secure and auditable record of all compensation decisions.
• Support compliance with audit and governance requirements.

System & Process Improvement

• Contribute to the enhancement of payroll workflows to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Identify automation opportunities to reduce manual tasks and minimize errors.
• Support HR digitalization and integration efforts between payroll and HR systems.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Benefits, and other departments to ensure smooth payroll operations.
• Coordinate with Finance on monthly payroll reconciliations and reporting.
• Support HR projects related to compensation, benefits, and data audits.

Qualifications, Experience 

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, MIS or relevant.

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in Payroll.

Skills

• Demonstrates strong ownership and the ability to lead process improvements that enhance payroll accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Possesses solid understanding of HR principles, payroll practices, and related HRIS/SAP systems.
• Communicates clearly and professionally in both verbal and written forms, ensuring effective coordination with employees and internal stakeholders.
• Experienced in interpreting, implementing, and maintaining payroll-related policies, procedures, and process documentation.
• Familiar with the Petrochemicals sector or similar industries, with an understanding of their workforce structures and payroll complexities.