Senior Associate Payroll & Compliance

About the Role

We are looking for a detail-oriented Senior Associate Payroll & Compliance to manage end-to-end payroll operations, statutory compliance, employee lifecycle processes, and HR automation initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience in Indian payroll, statutory compliance, HRMS/payroll systems, and process automation. The role will work closely with HR, Finance, employees, and external vendors to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations. The role is based on the existing Payroll Manager JD, with the scope adapted for a Senior Associate position.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations

• Manage end-to-end monthly payroll processing for on-roll and third-party employees.
• Validate payroll inputs including attendance, leave, incentives, reimbursements, arrears, deductions, and Full & Final settlements.
• Ensure accurate and timely salary processing and disbursement.
• Coordinate with Finance for payroll accounting, reconciliation, and salary payments.
• Resolve employee payroll queries and escalations within defined timelines.

Statutory & Labour Compliance

• Ensure timely compliance with PF, ESIC, PT, LWF, TDS, and other applicable statutory requirements.
• Prepare and review statutory returns, challans, reconciliations, and compliance reports.
• Maintain statutory records and documentation.
• Support labour law compliance, audits, inspections, and external consultants.
• Ensure compliance with applicable labour legislations including Contract Labour, Shops & Establishments, Minimum Wages, Bonus, Gratuity, and Payment of Wages.

HR Automation & Process Improvement

• Drive HR and payroll automation initiatives to reduce manual processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to automate payroll, employee lifecycle, attendance, leave, and compliance workflows.
• Work with HRMS/payroll vendors on system enhancements, integrations, issue resolution, and new feature implementation.
• Improve data accuracy, process controls, audit trails, and reporting through technology.
• Support HRMS implementation, process digitisation, and automation projects.

Employee Lifecycle & Benefits

• Manage employee onboarding, documentation, and HRMS data creation.
• Ensure accurate employee master data throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Manage exits and ensure timely Full & Final settlements.
• Support employee insurance and benefits administration, including GMC/GPA.
• Coordinate with insurance brokers/TPAs and resolve employee queries related to benefits.

Reporting & Analytics

• Prepare payroll MIS, compliance reports, and management dashboards.
• Track payroll accuracy, statutory timelines, and process SLAs.
• Analyse payroll and HR data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain strong maker-checker controls and data confidentiality.

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with HR, Finance, Business Teams, employees, and external payroll vendors.
• Coordinate with consultants, statutory authorities, auditors, and HRMS partners when required.
• Support internal and external audits with accurate payroll and compliance documentation.