Strategic Programs Analyst

Accenture; Mumbai City; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Accenture is seeking a Payroll Data Scientist to optimize payroll operations through data-driven insights and predictive modeling. You will collaborate with HR, Finance, and IT to build models, automate reporting, and enhance payroll accuracy.

The role emphasizes data analysis, dashboard development, and system integration using REST APIs and data pipelines, supporting scalable payroll solutions across functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in payroll analytics.
• Proficiency with Python or R and SQL.
• Experience with REST APIs and system integration is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Analyze payroll data to identify trends, anomalies and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop predictive models for payroll forecasting, headcount planning and cost optimization.
• Design and maintain dashboards and automated reports for stakeholders.
• Integrate enterprise systems via APIs and data pipelines.
• Collaborate with payroll operations teams to streamline processes and drive data-driven improvements.
• Ensure data quality and compliance in payroll processes.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Statistics

ML basics

Communication

Data analysis

APIs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Business Analytics

Tools

Power BI

Power Apps

Tableau

REST APIs

Job description

Role

Payroll Data Scientist

Accenture Hiring Level

Level 11

Job Description

As a Data Scientist in the Payroll domain, you will support the use of data to help optimize payroll operations, maintain compliance, identify anomalies, and assist decision-making under guidance. You will work with HR, Finance, and IT teams to help build predictive models, automate reporting, and improve payroll accuracy and efficiency.

• Data Analysis and Interpretation:
  • Utilizing advanced analytical techniques to analyze payroll data, identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Use statistical methods and tools to find patterns, trends and relationships.
  • Assist in developing predictive models for payroll forecasting, headcount planning, and cost optimization.
• Reporting and Dashboard Development:
  • Designing and maintaining comprehensive dashboards and reports that provide actionable insights to stakeholders.
  • Build automations to gather data from various sources like databases, APIs, web scraping, or sensors.
• Process Optimization:
  • Collaborate with payroll operations teams to streamline processes and enhance efficiency based on data-driven recommendations.
  • Help translate data results into actionable business insights under guidance.
• Integrate Enterprise Systems:
  • Connect AI solutions to internal systems via APIs
  • Support the design and implementation of REST API integrations (authentication, data exchange)
  • Work with structured and unstructured data across multiple sources
• Process Support:
  • Execute the process accurately and timely as hands on processor.
  • Escalate issues and seek advice when faced with complex issues/problems.
  • Contributes to a logical plan, realistic estimates and schedule for an activity or project segment.
  • Ensure Local Work Instructions are followed and stay updated on process changes.
  • Ensure process controls are in place; Maintain, validate and update process documentations.
  • Perform “Root Cause Analysis” on issues faces and suggest appropriate corrective action for current remediation and future control.
  • Participates in Knowledge Transfer of any process and acquires working knowledge of the process.
  • Strengthen work relationship with Onshore Teams and other internal teams.
  • Participate in conference calls and prepare ‘minutes of meeting’.

Background Requirements

Criteria

Minimum Requirement

Evaluation Methodology

Skills & Knowledge Required

Skills / Knowledge

Mandatory Vs Preferred

Measure of Skill Proficiency

Evaluation Methodology

Programming (Python, R, SQL)

Mandatory

Met Expectation /Not Met Expectation

Practice

Hands‑on experience with APIs

i. REST APIs, authentication (OAuth, tokens)

ii.System integration experience

Mandatory

Met Expectation /Not Met Expectation

Practice

Payroll Knowledge

Preferred

Met Expectation /Not Met Expectation

Interview

Statistics & Math (Probability, regression, hypothesis testing)

Mandatory

Met Expectation /Not Met Expectation

Practice

Payroll Systems (Example: Workday / Dayforce / SAP) and CRM/Workflow tools (SNOW / WQM / CRM etc.)

Preferred

Met Expectation /Not Met Expectation

Interview

MS Office

Preferred

Met Expectation /Not Met Expectation

Practice

Machine Learning (Classification, clustering, recommendation systems)

Preferred

Met Expectation /Not Met Expectation

Practice

Communication Skills

Mandatory

Met Expectation /Not Met Expectation

Interview

Data Modelling / Analytics (Example: PowerBI / Tableau / MS Access)

Mandatory

Met Expectation /Not Met Expectation

Practice

Microsoft PowerApps

Mandatory

Met Expectation /Not Met Expectation

Practice

Power Query

Mandatory

Met Expectation /Not Met Expectation

Practice

Problem solving skills (Analytical skills / Collaborative thinking/ Adaptable to change)

Mandatory

Met Expectation /Not Met Expectation

Interview

Note for Sourcing

Candidate meets the educational, industry & role specific experience criteria to be put across HR screening.

Note for HR Screening

Candidate meets the sourcing criteria & within the standard compensation bracket for the role, basic communication skills to be put through for written assessment

Note for Ops Interview

Candidate nearer to the target on skill/knowledge required should be put on hold and considered again depending on the pipeline of the resources available to meet the hiring targets

Note for Offer Management

Candidates fit the role requirement but above the standard compensation offered should be referred to delivery/transition lead for decision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Business Analytics, or a related field

To be verified through documents submitted at the time of interview

Total Years of Experience

2 - 4 years of Experience

To be verified through documents submitted at the time of interview

Total Years of Role Specific Experience

1 - 2 years of Payroll Analytics Experience

To be verified through documents submitted at the time of interview

About Accenture

Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services—creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 791,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world’s leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. Our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360° value, enable us to help our clients reinvent and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360° value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities.

Visit us at www.accenture.com

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