Senior Global Payroll Specialist, APAC

The Role

Moderna is seeking an Individual, to join the Global Payroll team. In this role, you will be responsible for end-to-end payroll processing in partnership a third-party payroll vendor for employees across multiple APAC countries. Key responsibilities include coordinating payroll cycle, managing data collection (inputs), delivering accurate and timely payroll results and reporting (outputs), ensuring compliance with local regulations and SOX controls, and serving as the primary contact for payroll matters. The role is also responsible for year-end payroll activities and deliverables.

Reporting to the Director, Global Payroll, you will work closely with cross-functional teams and external vendors to deliver seamless payroll operations. The ideal candidate thrives in complexity, demonstrates strong attention to detail, resolves escalations effectively, and identifies opportunities to streamline and improve processes.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Process end-to-end payroll operations with third-party vendors across Asia-Pacific, from data collection (e.g., salary changes, one-time payments, absences, overtime, benefits adjustments) to delivery of accurate, timely payroll results and reporting (e.g., employee pay, pay slips, tax filings, benefit contributions, reports, and compliance submissions)
• Manage change requests with internal teams and with vendors to ensure compliance with policies and submit adjustment input files to vendor portals (e.g., new hires, terminations, leaves, one-time payments, etc.)
• Support accurate, compliance payroll processes that meet SOX controls and audit requirements
• Review and analyze current payroll procedures to identify areas for improvement and implement enhanced processes, systems, and controls to increase efficiency and accuracy
• Partner with Global Compensation, Benefits, Mobility, and Equity teams on payroll-impacting events, and collaborate with Finance, Tax, and Legal teams on audit and documentation requests
• Monitor the payroll inbox for ad-hoc requests and ServiceNow tickets, supporting employees with payroll inquiries and timesheets while ensuring SLAs and employee satisfaction are met
• Drive vendor relationships, risks, escalations, focusing on performance metrics to deliver improvements through KPIs and action plans
• Manage the payroll calendar, ensure deadlines are met, and send reminder communications to stakeholders
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of all payroll data and transactions

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• BA/BS degree or equivalent work experience
• 3–5+ years of experience in payroll solutions and vendor management
• Strong knowledge of local payroll legislation/taxation (Australia required; additional APAC & EMEA countries preferred)
• Proficiency with Workday, Microsoft Office, and advanced Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, linking formulas
• Proven accuracy, data integrity, and attention to detail
• Clear and confident communication skills in written and spoken English
• Hands-on experience with payroll files, benefit provider inputs, and outsourced vendor model
• Ability to work effectively across time zones and adapt to country-specific payroll requirements

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications):

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with a process-oriented mindset
• Adapt to evolving business needs while collaborating effectively across teams.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships, influence stakeholders, and align shared objectives
• Experience managing payroll in different delivery models (in-house, outsourced, and co-sourced)
• Experienced with Workday; knowledge of IPPEX
• Additional payroll experience across APAC and EMEA regions
• thriving in a matrixed, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• A collaborative professional with a desire to make an impact in a high-growth, transformational company that values being Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our global benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs

• A holistic approach to well-being with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support

• Family building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown

• Savings and investments to help you plan for the future

• Location-specific perks and extras

The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.

About Moderna

Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.  

By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities. 

We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S. 

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. 

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities. 

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment. 

Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply! 

Moderna is committed to equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best. 

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations and Adjustments team at [email protected]. 

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