Payroll Lead

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Lead to drive strategic payroll initiatives, lead a payroll team, and enhance payroll process efficiency within the security industry. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership capabilities, deep expertise in payroll processing, and a proven track record in digitalisation and process transformation. This role requires a meticulous payroll reviewer, a strategic thinker, and a hands-on leader who can ensure compliance with MOM, CPF, and IRAS regulations while spearheading payroll system enhancements.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Management & Strategic Oversight

• Lead and manage a team of payroll specialists, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for weekly and monthly payroll cycles.
• Act as a backup for payroll specialists during their leave, ensuring seamless payroll continuity.
• Develop and execute payroll strategies that align with business objectives, compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
• Act as the key point of contact for payroll-related escalations, providing guidance on complex payroll matters and statutory requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with MOM, CPF, IRAS, and industry-specific wage structures, including the Security Progressive Wage Model (PWM).
• Conduct regular payroll data audits, reconciliations, and payroll journal approvals in collaboration with Finance.

Payroll Process Improvement & Digitalisation

• Identify inefficiencies in payroll processes and implement automation, digital tools, and system enhancements to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Lead payroll transformation projects, including payroll system upgrades and integration with HRMS and ERP solutions.
• Work closely with HR, IT, and external vendors to develop and test new payroll features, ensuring alignment with business needs.
• Develop, document, and maintain standardised payroll policies and procedures to enhance consistency and compliance.

Compliance, Auditing & Payroll Governance

• Stay updated on Singapore’s evolving payroll regulations and ensure adherence to Employment Act, tax laws, and statutory deductions.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of CPF, SDL, IR8A, IR21, and other tax-related filings.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls to minimise payroll discrepancies, errors, and compliance risks.
• Partner with Legal & Compliance teams to conduct payroll audits and respond to regulatory inquiries.

People Management & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop the payroll team, ensuring continuous skill enhancement and professional growth.
• Provide strategic payroll insights to senior management, advising on cost implications, process efficiencies, and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with HR on compensation structures, incentive programmes, and payroll-related employee concerns.
• Manage relationships with external payroll service providers, auditors, and government agencies.

Qualifications & Skills

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field.
• 8+ years of payroll experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in people management, team development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong experience in manual payroll calculations and system-driven payroll processing.
• In-depth knowledge of Singapore payroll laws, CPF contributions, tax requirements, and the Security PWM.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, payroll analytics, and payroll software (e.g., SAP, Workday, ADP, BIPO, or local payroll systems).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in payroll process transformation, automation, and digitalisation.
• Strong ability to review, audit, and enhance payroll governance policies.
• Hands-on experience in payroll system implementation or optimisation.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent Singapore payroll certification.
• Previous payroll leadership experience in the security industry or similar fast-paced, shift-based environments.

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Lead to drive strategic payroll initiatives, lead a payroll team, and enhance payroll process efficiency within the security industry. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership capabilities, deep expertise in payroll processing, and a proven track record in digitalisation and process transformation. This role requires a meticulous payroll reviewer, a strategic thinker, and a hands-on leader who can ensure compliance with MOM, CPF, and IRAS regulations while spearheading payroll system enhancements.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Management & Strategic Oversight

• Lead and manage a team of payroll specialists, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for weekly and monthly payroll cycles.
• Act as a backup for payroll specialists during their leave, ensuring seamless payroll continuity.
• Develop and execute payroll strategies that align with business objectives, compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
• Act as the key point of contact for payroll-related escalations, providing guidance on complex payroll matters and statutory requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with MOM, CPF, IRAS, and industry-specific wage structures, including the Security Progressive Wage Model (PWM).
• Conduct regular payroll data audits, reconciliations, and payroll journal approvals in collaboration with Finance.

Payroll Process Improvement & Digitalisation

• Identify inefficiencies in payroll processes and implement automation, digital tools, and system enhancements to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Lead payroll transformation projects, including payroll system upgrades and integration with HRMS and ERP solutions.
• Work closely with HR, IT, and external vendors to develop and test new payroll features, ensuring alignment with business needs.
• Develop, document, and maintain standardised payroll policies and procedures to enhance consistency and compliance.

Compliance, Auditing & Payroll Governance

• Stay updated on Singapore’s evolving payroll regulations and ensure adherence to Employment Act, tax laws, and statutory deductions.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of CPF, SDL, IR8A, IR21, and other tax-related filings.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls to minimise payroll discrepancies, errors, and compliance risks.
• Partner with Legal & Compliance teams to conduct payroll audits and respond to regulatory inquiries.

People Management & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop the payroll team, ensuring continuous skill enhancement and professional growth.
• Provide strategic payroll insights to senior management, advising on cost implications, process efficiencies, and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with HR on compensation structures, incentive programmes, and payroll-related employee concerns.
• Manage relationships with external payroll service providers, auditors, and government agencies.

Qualifications & Skills

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field.
• 8+ years of payroll experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in people management, team development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong experience in manual payroll calculations and system-driven payroll processing.
• In-depth knowledge of Singapore payroll laws, CPF contributions, tax requirements, and the Security PWM.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, payroll analytics, and payroll software (e.g., SAP, Workday, ADP, BIPO, or local payroll systems).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in payroll process transformation, automation, and digitalisation.
• Strong ability to review, audit, and enhance payroll governance policies.
• Hands-on experience in payroll system implementation or optimisation.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent Singapore payroll certification.
• Previous payroll leadership experience in the security industry or similar fast-paced, shift-based environments.