Regional Payroll Lead

Job Description

Regional Payroll Lead - APAC

Location: Singapore

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At Aberdeen, we believe investing is about more than numbers — it’s about ambitions, dreams, and the confidence to shape your future. Novice or expert, individual or institution, every day we work to help millions of people turn their financial goals into reality.  

Whether they're starting out, planning for retirement, advising others, or managing large portfolios, we’re here to support our customers and clients with the tools and insight they need to navigate an ever-changing world.  

Our businesses give us the reach, resilience, and flexibility to meet our customers and clients wherever they are—and help them get to where they want to be.  With expertise, strong relationships and a deep commitment to service, our collective strength is powerful.  

What drives us is simple: an unwavering belief in the power of investing to change lives.  Our people care deeply about doing the right thing—for our clients, our communities, and each other. We’re proud of the trust we’ve earned, and we never stop striving to do better. 

In a complex world, we bring clarity. In uncertain times, we bring confidence. And every day, we bring our best—so our customers and clients can be their best. 

Aberdeen - enabling our clients to be better investors.

About the role

The Regional Payroll Lead (APAC) is a key member of the Global Payroll team, reporting to the Regional Payroll Manager. This role is responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of payroll services across eight jurisdictions: Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Australia.

The role holder will partner closely with external payroll vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure an efficient, accurate, and compliant end‑to‑end payroll process. As a subject matter expert, the Regional Payroll Lead will support with data processing, issue resolution, escalations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The role holder will primarily be responsible for BAU activity but will work closely with transformation resource to shape the future of payroll operations across the region.

Success in this role requires strong analytical capability, sound judgement, and the ability to challenge constructively. The role also contributes to global payroll metrics, reporting, and governance to ensure payroll is delivered right first time, every time.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead accurate, timely payroll delivery across APAC and ensure compliance with local regulations.
• Manage vendor relationships and support country teams with data processing, escalations, and issue resolution.
• Manage escalations related to payroll and tax matters, ensuring issues are resolved promptly and effectively.
• Maintain payroll data standards, KPIs, SLAs, and risk controls to ensure process integrity.
• Deliver finance posting files and support reconciliation activities.
• Conduct quality assurance and support internal/external audit requirements.
• Provide payroll metrics, analytics, and insights on performance and trends.

• Collaborate with HR, Reward, and Finance to ensure alignment across related processes.
• Stay current on regional payroll legislation and ensure organisational compliance.

Skills & Knowledge required

• Experience in global organisations; financial services preferred.
• 5+ years’ regional payroll experience across multiple countries.
• Strong Workday expertise and proficiency with payroll systems and HRIS platforms.
• Deep knowledge of complex payroll topics (e.g., share plans, mobility, statutory requirements).
• Understanding of HR processes, payroll accounting, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Collaborative team player with strong organisation and time management skills.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and able to work independently.
• Creative problem‑solver and advocate for process improvement.