IBM

We are seeking an experienced and meticulous Regional Payroll Specialist to oversee the end-to-end payroll function for our employees across Japan, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The ideal candidate will be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the payroll regulations, taxation, and statutory requirements of these four distinct jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution of all payroll processes.

1.End-to-End Payroll Management:

• Manage the full monthly payroll lifecycle for Japan (JP), China (CN), Taiwan (TW), and Hong Kong (HK) including input validation, calculation, reconciliation, and payment execution.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of salaries, statutory contributions, benefits, tax withholdings, deductions, and final payments (e.g., termination pay, severance).
• Coordinate effectively with local payroll vendors/partners in each country to ensure seamless data exchange and adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Process off-cycle payments, bonuses, and special payroll runs as required.

2. Compliance and Statutory Reporting:

• Serve as the primary point of contact and SME for all payroll compliance matters in JP, CN, TW, and HK.
• Ensure full compliance with local labor laws, income tax regulations, social security, pension, and other mandatory contributions (e.g., Japan Social Insurance/Nenkin, China Social Insurance/Housing Fund, Taiwan Labor Insurance/Health Insurance, Hong Kong MPF/Tax Filing).
• Manage and file all statutory reports and year-end processes (e.g., Japan Year-End Adjustment/Gensen-Choshu, HK Employer's Returns/Form 56).
• Monitor and implement changes related to local regulatory updates and tax law reforms across all four regions.

3. Data Management and Audit:

• Maintain strict confidentiality and accuracy of all payroll data, ensuring proper documentation and record-keeping for audit trails.
• Prepare and generate various payroll reports for Finance, HR, and Management analysis (e.g., GL postings, cost center allocations, headcount reports).
• Support internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation and explanations.
• Manage and maintain payroll data within the HRIS/Payroll system (e.g., SuccessFactors, SAP).

4. Stakeholder Management:

• Act as the main point of contact for employee payroll inquiries, providing clear, professional, and timely resolution.
• Collaborate closely with the Regional HR team, Finance/Accounting, and Treasury departments on payroll funding, reconciliation, and budgeting.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of regional payroll operations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 to 5 years of hands-on, end-to-end payroll processing experience.
• Regional Expertise: Mandatory in-depth working knowledge and practical experience processing payroll for employees in Japan, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
• Compliance: Demonstrated expertise in the specific labor, tax, and social security/pension regulations of these four jurisdictions.
• Systems: Proficiency in a major HRIS/Payroll system (e.g., SuccessFactors, SAP) and advanced Excel skills.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in [Japanese and/or Mandarin/Cantonese] is highly desirable to liaise with local teams/vendors/authorities.

Skills and Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to manage complex, multi-country payroll calculations and issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex payroll matters to non-payroll stakeholders.
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential employee information.