Regional Payroll Lead - APAC

Overview

Aberdeen is committed to empowering investors by providing the tools and insights to help individuals and institutions achieve their financial objectives. Our global presence, expertise, and strong client relationships fuel our ambition to deliver outstanding service and foster trust. Our team believes in the transformative power of investing and strives to act with integrity and excellence, ensuring our clients and communities benefit continually.

Role Summary

The Regional Payroll Lead for the APAC region is a pivotal member of the Global Payroll team based in Singapore. Reporting to the Regional Payroll Manager, this position oversees payroll operations across eight Asian-Pacific countries: Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Australia. The incumbent will collaborate closely with external payroll service providers and internal stakeholders to guarantee accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing.

Responsibilities include supporting payroll data handling, resolving issues, managing escalations, and driving continuous enhancements. While chiefly responsible for business-as-usual activities, the role will engage with transformation initiatives to modernize payroll processes. This role demands strong analytical skills, prudent decision-making, and the ability to provide constructive challenges. Additionally, the role supports global payroll reporting, governance, and metrics to ensure flawless execution.

Key Duties

• Ensure precise and punctual payroll processing across APAC jurisdictions while complying with local laws and standards.
• Manage relationships with external payroll vendors and assist country teams in data processing, issue resolution, and escalation management.
• Promptly address payroll and taxation escalations to guarantee effective resolution.
• Maintain payroll data integrity, uphold KPIs, service level agreements, and enforce risk control measures.
• Prepare financial posting documents and assist with account reconciliation tasks.
• Perform quality assurance audits and support both internal and external audit processes.
• Generate payroll analytics, performance metrics, and interpret trends to provide actionable insights.
• Coordinate with Human Resources, Reward, and Finance functions to align payroll-related operations.
• Stay informed on payroll legislation across the region to ensure organizational compliance.

Required Skills and Expertise

• Experience working within global organizations, preferably in financial services.
• A minimum of five years managing payroll in a regional capacity covering multiple countries.
• Proficiency with Workday payroll systems along with other HR information systems.
• In-depth understanding of complex payroll topics such as share plans, employee mobility, and statutory compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of HR processes, payroll accounting practices, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Excellent communication abilities combined with stakeholder management, analytical thinking, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Team-oriented approach with strong organizational aptitude and effective time management.
• Self-driven, proactive, and capable of working autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Innovative problem-solving skills and an enthusiasm for continuous process improvement.

Inclusion and Accessibility

Aberdeen fosters an inclusive workplace that respects and values diversity across every dimension, including educational and professional backgrounds, cognitive differences, demographics, and beliefs. We uphold fairness, transparency, and meritocracy, inviting applications from all qualified candidates. Accommodations for disabilities or adjustments during the recruitment process can be made upon request.