Payroll Specialist

2 weeks ago

Sydney, Australia Cognizant Full time

About the Role

Cognizant Australia is seeking an International Payroll SME to oversee payroll processing and related financial activities for Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. This role involves primarily managing end to end core payroll processing, payroll and benefits related general ledger monthly closing, periodic reporting, and statutory filings. The International Payroll SME will lead semi-monthly/monthly payroll processing, closing, and the development and implementation of process improvements to enhance internal controls and efficiency. This position requires extensive experience in corporate payroll functions, a bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance, and exceptional organizational skills with a keen eye for detail.

Key Responsibilities

- Payroll Management: Complete the accurate and timely processing of semi-monthly/monthly payrolls using internal (Workday) and third-party payroll platforms, ensuring compliance with the requirements of all the applicable taxing jurisdictions and governmental entities. Review payroll reports ensuring accuracy in net pay, tax, and employer contributions
- Statutory compliances: Hands on experience in Australian Payroll taxes, FBT, STP filings, Employee Share Scheme, PAYG, knowledge about modern award categorization and its impact on HR and Payroll policies. In addition, hands on experience on New Zealand compliances namely Kiwisaver etc. is required.
- Financial Reporting: Ensure the preparation, accuracy, and timeliness of books and records, monthly closing financial reports, and tax filings.
- Bonus Payroll Processing: Process quarterly and annual bonuses, employee referral bonuses, and sign-on bonus payouts.
- Tax Compliance: Oversee the calculation, withholding, depositing, and reporting of payroll taxes, ensuring all statutory and tax filings are completed in a timely manner.
- General Ledger: Process journal entries in Financial Systems (internal applications, including Workday) to recognize payroll liabilities on an accrual basis and reconcile general ledger payroll account balances.
- Audit Preparation: Prepare audit and annual reporting schedules, ensuring compliance and accuracy. Collaborate with Internal audit to maintain SLA’s and process controls.
- Process Improvement: Lead payroll projects focused on process improvements and system enhancements.
- Stakeholder Management: Coordinate with HRSS, HR, Legal, IT, Controllership and external payroll vendors for payroll data validations and approvals
- Issue Resolution: Research and resolve complex payroll issues and manage employee L2 /L3 queries through Payroll Helpdesk
- HR Support: Provide support to People Services for HR initiatives, including benefits administration, compliance, and special projects.

Qualifications

- Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting / Finance or equivalent required.
- Experience: 8+ years of experience in payroll operations across APAC, preferably ANZ & Philippines
- Proficiency in ERP systems: Workday, SAP, PeopleSoft, ADP.
- Skills:

- Superior customer service abilities.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

- Experience in transitioning payroll systems and enhancing internal controls

- Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

- Flexibility, multitasking capability, and adherence to deadlines.

- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

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