HR Operation / Payroll & Benefits, Japan - Associate

HR Operation / Payroll & Benefits - Associate

Role Summary

This role provides the full spectrum of payroll processes, benefits administration, payroll-related accounts balance reconciliation, and various employment-related taxes and tax reporting as a foundational discipline while supporting broader HR operations and regulatory compliance in Japan. Starting with payroll operations, the role is designed to develop capability across Japan labor law, HR controls, audits, and governance frameworks.

What we will offer you:

A healthy, engaged and well-supported workforce is better equipped to do their best work and, more importantly, enjoy their lives inside and outside the workplace. That’s why we are committed to providing an environment with your development and wellbeing at its center.

You can expect:

• Corporate Group Insurance – premium borne by company

• Annual health checkup – cost borne by company (once a year; conditions apply)

• Flexible Work Arrangements – various ways to work, to fit employees’ needs

• Child care and elderly care benefits – corporate discount through designated child care & elderly care vendors

• EAP – free and confidential counseling, online work-life resources

• Employee networks – Diversity, volunteering, sports, family care - various activities to participate

• Special leaves entitlement

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations (Core / Mandatory)

• Deliver accurate end‑to‑end monthly payroll processing in Japan in compliance with legislation, internal policies, and control requirements

• Process ad-hoc payments, manual adjustments, termination payments and year-end reporting

• Maintain and administer payroll related benefits such as defined contribution plan, housing rent program and share purchase plan

• Manage employment taxes including payroll tax, fringe benefits tax and employee share scheme tax reporting

• Prepare payroll reconciliations, including payroll clearing accounts and GL interfaces, and report for internal review and risk management

• Manage inter-company charges related to payroll and benefit

• Manage payroll‑related queries from employees, managers, internal key functions and HR teams in timely manner

• Maintain documents of all key payroll processes, with periodic reviews to ensure regulatory/internal control requirements and system changes are maintained

• Liaising with the payroll-related vendors, and HRIT team where necessary, in relation to system updates/ issues/ enhancements, raising tickets, user testing and confirming in production.

• Facilitate regular service review meetings with payroll-related vendors

Governance, Compliance & Projects

• Stay up to date on Japan labor laws and regulations and support updating documents and processes impacting payroll, benefits, and HR operations

• Prepare materials for regular/adhoc audit checks by internal and external auditors and assist data submission for regulatory inspections

• Support the design, implementation and governance of country HR policies.

• Support for control reviews, operational improvement projects, regulatory (Employment Law, Immigration etc.) and internal governance requirements including tracking regulatory changes and driving internal policy / process changes.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 3 years of hands‑on payroll experience in Japan (payroll capability required as a starting point)

• Open to individuals without banking or financial service industry experience but experience in multi-national companies with strong understanding of payroll processes, employment taxes, accounting and relevant internal controls

• Experience with account monitoring, reporting and reconciliations using SAP

• Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion

• Clear written and verbal communication skills in English and Japanese

Role Characteristics

• Strong ownership and accountability mindset

• Willingness to develop beyond payroll into broader HR governance responsibilities

• Comfortable operating in a regulated, control‑driven environment

How we’ll support you:               

• Flexible working to assist you balance your personal priorities

• Coaching and support from experts in your team

• A culture of continuous learning to aid progression

• A range of flexible benefits that you can tailor to suit your needs

• Training and development to help you excel in your career

About us and our teams:

Deutsche Bank is the leading German bank with strong European roots and a global network. click here to see what we do.

We strive for a culture in which we are empowered to excel together every day. This includes acting responsibly, thinking commercially, taking initiative and working collaboratively.

Together we share and celebrate the successes of our people. Together we are Deutsche Bank Group.

We welcome applications from all people and promote a positive, fair and inclusive work environment.