Senior Payroll Manager ( APAC +Dubai)

Company Description

We're Jellyfish, the integrated global digital marketing business.

We're reinventing marketing for progressive brands, uniting media, creative, and data through cutting edge technology and Generative AI.

At Jellyfish, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives and inclusive collaboration. We welcome individuals who excel in collaborative, varied teams and value the unique contributions that each person brings to the table.

Job Description

Department: People (Payroll)

Reports to: Regional People Lead APAC

Role Overview:

As the Senior Payroll Manager APAC + Dubai, you will lead payroll operations across countries in the Asia-Pacific region, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. You'll collaborate closely with People Operations, Finance, and external vendors to deliver a seamless employee experience. This role requires a strong understanding of multi-country payroll, local tax and labor regulations, and digital payroll systems.

You'll demonstrate hands on and in depth understanding of payroll systems and have extensive payroll management experience, be solution oriented, and collaborate with others.

Key Responsibilities:

• Payroll Management: Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for APAC countries + Dubai ( head count approx 180) , ensuring compliance with local tax, labor laws, and company policies.
• Vendor Coordination: Manage relationships with external payroll provider TMF and ensure SLAs are met.
• Compliance & Audits: Ensure adherence to statutory requirements, labor laws, and internal controls; support internal and external audits.
• Process Optimization: Drive continuous improvement in payroll processes, automation, and integration with HRIS/ERP systems.
• Reporting & Analytics: Prepare and deliver monthly payroll reports, cost analysis, and reconciliations for Finance and HR teams.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with regional HR, Finance, and Legal teams to manage payroll-related issues, expat payrolls, and employee queries.
• Year-End Activities: Oversee year-end processes including tax filings, Form 16s/ tax statements and statutory reporting.
• Integrity & Confidentiality: Maintain high ethical standards in handling sensitive payroll and employee data.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and written communication skills; able to explain complex payroll topics clearly to internal and external stake holders as needed
• Capable of managing a team or external partners, setting clear priorities, and leading payroll operations independently across a multi-country setup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 6+ years of payroll experience, with at least 4/5 years managing payrolls across APAC (e.g., India, Singapore, Australia, Japan, etc.).
• Deep expertise in regional payroll regulations, statutory compliance, and local tax laws, including income tax, provident fund, gratuity, labor welfare, and social security schemes.
• Proven track record in handling audits, tax reconciliations, and year-end statutory filings.
• Experience with global payroll platforms (e.g., ADP, ) and HRIS integrations.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel and payroll reporting.
• This is an individual contributor role

Nice to Have :

• Exposure to M&A/payroll transitions
• Experience working in a digital, tech, or fast-growth company
• Knowledge of expat payroll and shadow payroll arrangements

Note: We emphasise skills, expertise and behavioural attributes over years of experience and traditional degrees. If you want to join our collaborative team, we invite you to apply today with your resume in English.

Additional Information

Join Jellyfish and experience a workplace where we prioritise your growth, celebrate your contributions, and empower you to tailor your work environment to suit your needs.

💰 Reward: You'll be eligible to join our discretionary annual bonus scheme.

💫 Custom Work Environment: Work remotely for up to 60% of your days and shape your day between 8am. and 6:30pm with flexible working hours.

📈 Growth, Your Way: Accumulate one paid day each month (2 hours per week) for self-development and access to LinkedIn Learning with unlimited online courses

🏦 Jellyfish contributes to your retiral benefits via Provident Fund (PF) contribution

Jellyfish provides best in class group medical insurance & life insurance cover to employees

Unfortunately, there has been an increase in fake recruiters impersonating Jellyfish and unlawfully using our brand name. If you are unsure if an email with a job offer you have received is genuinely from Jellyfish, or if you suspect any fraudulent activity, please report it to [email protected].

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