Payroll Specialist

KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is the world's leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car and vacation package. We're also transforming business travel with a new corporate travel solution, KAYAK for Business.

As an employee of KAYAK, you will be part of a travel company that operates a portfolio of global metasearch brands, including Cheapflights and HotelsCombined, among others. From start-up to industry leader, innovation is in our DNA, and every employee has an opportunity to make their mark. Our focus is on building the best travel search engine to make it easier for everyone to experience the world.

KAYAK is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced APAC Payroll Specialist to manage payroll operations across multiple countries, including Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea. This role ensures accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with local labor laws and tax regulations, and a high level of service to employees.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage people who are underrepresented in tech to apply. This role is open to candidates based in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan.

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for assigned APAC countries, including data validation, calculations, and reporting.

• Partner with payroll vendor and local payroll providers, internal People team, and Finance to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of statutory regulations, labor laws, and tax requirements across the region.

• Review payroll inputs and outputs (e.g., new hires, terminations, transfers, bonuses, equity, allowances, deductions).

• Perform reconciliation of payroll reports and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and audit requirements.

• Support year-end activities such as tax filings, reporting, and audits.

• Respond to employee payroll queries with professionalism and efficiency.

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and enhance automation.

• 2–3 years of payroll experience, with a focus on APAC countries.

• Strong understanding of regional payroll regulations and statutory requirements.

• Experience with Workday/CloudPay preferred; experience with other payroll or HRIS systems will be considered

• Excellent attention to detail, organizational, and analytical skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines across different time zones.

• Strong communication skills in English; additional APAC languages are a plus.

• Work from (almost) anywhere; wherever you do your best work.

• Mental Health Well-being: 6 company paid therapy sessions, subscription to a meditation app, wellbeing speaker series and resources.

• Annual Health and Wellness Reimbursement.

• 1 floating day off per year to celebrate your birthday or another occasion of your choice

• Company-wide weeks off each year: the whole team recharges (and returns without a pile-up of work).

• Paid volunteer time.

• Monthly catered office events.

• Learning and Development opportunities.

• Universal Paid Parental leave

At KAYAK, we want everyone to have the space to grow, share ideas and do great work. That's why we're focused on hiring the best talent from all walks of life and experiences, supporting them well and making sure no one feels like they have to fit a mold to belong here.

Need any adjustments for the interview, application or on the job? No problem - just give us a heads-up. We've got you.