Payroll Specialist

When our values align, there's no limit to what we can achieve.
 
At Parexel, we all share the same goal - to improve the world's health. From clinical trials to regulatory, consulting, and market access, every clinical development solution we provide is underpinned by something special - a deep conviction in what we do.

Each of us, no matter what we do at Parexel, contributes to the development of a therapy that ultimately will benefit a patient. We take our work personally, we do it with empathy and we're committed to making a difference.

Job Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the end-to-end payroll operations across India, South Africa, and Southeast Asia (SEA). Working within the Global Payroll function and in close collaboration with HR Business Partners, HR Services, Finance, and external payroll providers, this role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery across the assigned region. The Payroll Specialist maintains payroll process documentation, supports audit activities, and drives continuous improvement in line with global payroll standards.

Key Accountabilities

Payroll Processing and Reconciliation

• Manage end-to-end monthly payroll processing for India, South Africa, and SEA countries
• Collate, input, and reconcile payroll data to ensure accuracy prior to approval
• Validate and prepare payroll approval documentation within established deadlines
• Review and process timesheets, expense inputs, and other payroll-relevant data
• Ensure accurate taxation treatment of employer payments, allowances, and benefits across all in-scope countries

Compliance and Regulatory Adherence

• Ensure payroll operations comply with local labor laws, tax regulations, and statutory requirements across India, South Africa, and SEA
• Maintain and update local labor and salary filing records in accordance with country-specific requirements
• Monitor changes in regional legislation and assess impact on payroll processes
• Support internal and external audit activities by providing accurate documentation and timely responses

Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related queries from employees across the region
• Collaborate with HR Business Partners and HR Services on employee data changes, new hires, terminations, and other payroll-impacting events
• Partner with Finance on payroll accruals, reporting, and reconciliation as required
• Coordinate with external payroll providers (including Paysquare and other in-country vendors) to ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery

Process Documentation and Improvement

• Create, maintain, and update payroll process documentation in collaboration with payroll providers and internal stakeholders
• Identify opportunities to improve existing payroll processes and recommend solutions aligned with global standards
• Support the implementation of payroll policies, procedures, and system enhancements
• Participate in regional and global payroll change initiatives as required

Skills

• Proficiency in Workday, Dayforce, Paysquare, and Kyriba
• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and MS Office suite
• Sound understanding of payroll components, calculations, and reconciliation methods
• Knowledge of statutory and tax compliance requirements across India, South Africa, and/or SEA countries
• Understanding of benefits administration and employer payment taxation
• Familiarity with payroll provider management and vendor coordination
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data handling
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize workload effectively
• High degree of discretion and reliability when handling confidential information
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team
• Proactive approach to problem identification and resolution
• Adaptability to changing regulatory environments and business needs
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Commitment to delivering consistently high-quality work

Knowledge and Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in payroll processing, preferably within a multinational or shared services environment
• Demonstrated experience managing payroll for India; additional experience in South Africa and/or SEA countries is an advantage
• Experience working with payroll systems such as Workday, Dayforce, Paysquare, or Kyriba
• Familiarity with payroll audit processes and compliance requirements
• Experience coordinating with external payroll providers and government authorities
• Prior exposure to Finance functions including accruals and payroll reporting is beneficial

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field