International Payroll Specialist

Sinch, the Customer Communications Cloud, powers meaningful conversations at scale across messaging, voice, and email to help businesses deliver unified, personalized experiences that truly revolve around their customers — no matter the channels they use. Over 150,000 businesses, including 8 of the 10 largest tech companies in the world, rely on us for their customer communication needs, with over 700 billion customer engagements each year. 

As a fast-paced growing business operating across multiple regions, we recognise the importance of expertise in international payroll operations. We are seeking a payroll guru who not only possesses strong payroll management skills but also brings extensive experience in handling international payroll complexities, particularly through external payroll providers.

This role will play a crucial part in supporting our Payroll Manager during exciting implementations while ensuring seamless payroll operations for approximately 500 employees.  Expertise in navigating diverse regulatory environments, managing time zone challenges, and coordinating effectively with external partners is essential for maintaining the accuracy, compliance, and efficiency of our payroll processes across our global footprint.

What do you do in the role?

• Processing the end-to-end monthly and semi-monthly payroll cycles for the Group, encompassing the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and United States managed through third-party providers. This includes meticulous data input, thorough review, and preparation for final approvals, as well as facilitating bank transfers.
• Ensure the maintenance of audit-ready payroll processes by filing authorized payment instructions and supporting calculations, adhering to stringent regulatory requirements.
• Deliver consistent and accurate calculations for various compensation elements including salaries, on-call/overtime, casual hourly pay, and allowances, particularly focusing on new starter and termination payments.
• Uphold compliance with Company benefit and leave policies, promptly escalating any deviations when necessary, while also ensuring adherence to Federal, State, and Local legal payroll requirements across multiple jurisdictions, advising management on necessary actions.
• Collaborate with the Payroll Manager in the calculation and submission of annual Payroll Taxes and Workcover lodgements, taking ownership of all US State tax portals, and liaising with external tax agents when required.
• Foster close collaboration with the wider Finance team to ensure reconciliation of payroll journals and completion of payroll balance sheet reconciliations to effectively track any outstanding amounts or timing differences.
• Work in tandem with HR to ensure synchronization of new starters and leavers, streamlining workflow processes, and addressing any data integrity issues that may arise.
• Enhance and maintain the process for sharing payroll information across payroll, Finance, HR, and FP&A, ensuring the privacy of employee data is rigorously preserved.
• Continuously expand professional and technical knowledge through active participation in educational workshops, staying updated with professional publications, fostering personal networks, and engaging with professional societies to remain at the forefront of industry best practices.
• Ensure efficient handling of the Payroll Inbox, promptly addressing and resolving payroll-related inquiries and requests in accordance with established procedures and service level agreements.

How success will be measured 

• Timely Payroll Processing: Ensuring that all employees are paid accurately and on time, minimizing the occurrence of off-cycle payments.
• Accuracy in Payroll: Striving for precision in payroll calculations to reduce the need for adjustments in subsequent pay cycles, thereby ensuring employees are paid correctly.
• Compliance Adherence: Meeting all payroll compliance obligations to avoid late penalties or fines for non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Value-added Process Improvement: Implementing process improvements that not only enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the payroll function but also contribute to overall business operations, generating tangible benefits beyond payroll administration.

What experience/qualities you need to bring with you

• International Payroll Experience:Proficiency in managing end-to-end payroll processes in APAC, with a great understanding of payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements. While experience in all regions mentioned is preferred, a strong foundation in Philippines and Australia payroll is essential.
• Experience in Managing Payroll Through External Providers (Preferred):Demonstrated proficiency in overseeing payroll operations through third-party providers is highly advantageous. Candidates with experience in effectively coordinating with external payroll providers to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing will be prioritized.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail is crucial to ensure accurate payroll calculations and adherence to company policies and legal requirements, thereby minimizing errors and the need for adjustments.
• Process Improvement Skills: Ability to identify areas for process improvement within the payroll function and implement solutions that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. This includes collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate improvements that benefit other aspects of the business.
• Communication and Collaboration: Strong communication skills are essential for collaborating effectively with internal stakeholders such as the Payroll Manager, Finance team, HR, and external partners like payroll providers and tax agents. This facilitates seamless coordination and ensures alignment across departments.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: The role requires the capacity to address complex payroll issues, resolve discrepancies, and troubleshoot any challenges that may arise during payroll processing or compliance activities.
• Continuous Learning: A commitment to ongoing professional development is necessary to stay updated on changes in payroll regulations, industry best practices, and technological advancements that may impact payroll operations.

Our commitment

We strive to cultivate a motivated and hardworking team in a welcoming and diverse workplace. Our core values—Dream Big, Win Together, Keep It Simple, and Make It Happen—form the basis for a culture that encourages innovative thinking and drives improved business outcomes through diverse perspectives and skills.

The path to success is always upward, and opportunities are closer than you think. It’s time to chase answers, tackle challenges, and follow your dreams.

Ready to join us on this journey? Apply now!

If this role isn’t what you’re looking for, please consider other open roles on our career page: Sinch Careers