Expressions of Interest: Payroll Manager

English Schools Foundation; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) seeks a Manager - Payroll to oversee end-to-end payroll operations across the organisation. You will ensure accurate, timely payroll execution and drive continuous process improvements.

Role requires extensive HK payroll knowledge, proficiency in PeopleSoft Payroll and strong leadership to guide the payroll team and liaise with school management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• 8–10 years of payroll operational experience, with at least 3–5 years in a supervisory/managerial role.
• Hands-on expertise in PeopleSoft Payroll.
• Deep knowledge of Hong Kong Employment Ordinance, Tax Regulation and MPF/ORSO legislation.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with education or complex multi-entity environments in Hong Kong is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Payroll Review & Approval: Perform end-to-end review and verification of all payroll runs across the company, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Statutory Compliance & Reporting: Ensure adherence to Hong Kong payroll legislation and keep updated on changes.
• Reconciliation & Auditing: Handle payroll reconciliation, variance analysis, cost allocation, and respond to auditors.

Skills

Payroll operations

PeopleSoft Payroll

Regulatory compliance

Advanced Excel

Leadership

English & Cantonese communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / Accounting / Business Admin

Tools

PeopleSoft Payroll

Job description

The Manager - Payroll plays a critical role in overseeing the end-to-end payroll operations across the organisation. He/she will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll execution while driving continuous process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operation & Governance

• Payroll Review & Approval: Perform end-to-end review and verification of all payroll runs across the company. Ensure payroll accuracy, compliance with policies, and adherence to regulations.
• Statutory Compliance & Reporting: Ensure strict adherence to Hong Kong employment and payroll legislation, staying updated on any changes that may affect payroll practices
• Reconciliation & Auditing: Responsible for payroll reconciliation, variance analysis, cost allocation, and communicating with both external and internal auditors related to payroll inquiries.

Team Leadership & Stakeholders Management

• Team Management: Foster the growth and development of the payroll team by providing guidance and mentorship. Establish standard operating procedures, clear segregation of duties and robust internal controls.
• Stakeholder Management: Address and resolve payroll inquiries. Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll inquiries from staff members and the school management.

Others

Perform additional duties and accept accountabilities as required, including objectives mutually agreed upon with management.

Qualification

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8-10 years of payroll operational experience, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory/ managerial role.
• Hands-on expertise in PeopleSoft Payroll is required
• Deep knowledge of the Hong Kong Employment Ordinance, Tax Regulation and MPF/ORSO legislation.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with education or complex multi-entity environments in Hong Kong is highly preferred.

Competencies

• Strong leadership capability with a track record of raising team performance.
• Exceptional attention to detail, numerical accuracy and an analytical mindset
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in English and Cantonese.

Applicants must be a permanent Hong Kong resident or possess a valid visa to work in Hong Kong.

For enquiries, please contact Karen Ng @ 37622653 or Email: [e-mail]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date. We strongly recommend early applications as we reserve the right to appoint candidates earlier than the closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.

In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.

www.esf.edu.hk

About The Team

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is a modern, well-managed educational organisation, committed to offering an international education to students drawn from over 70 countries. We are proud to be at the forefront of the educational hub in Hong Kong. We actively take advantage of the opportunities that Hong Kong offers as Asia’s world city and the principal gate-way to China.

The curriculum, leading to the International Baccalaureate, is adapted to Hong Kong, and the Asia Pacific region. ESF’s 1,100 teachers are highly qualified bringing with them experience from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the UK and many other international school systems. All schools offer a broad range of out-of-school activities in Hong Kong and overseas.

ESF has over 18,000 students. Our culture is one of joy in learning and pride in achievement. The great majority of our students study for the IB Diploma and gain entry to universities all over the world. ESF has a long-standing commitment to children with individual needs and is the principal provider for English-speaking children with special educational needs in Hong Kong. For further details about ESF, please visit our website at https://www.esf.edu.hk/.