Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Payroll processing Analyst

Cognizant; Chennai District; On-site; INR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant in Chennai, India is seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Payroll for night shift on a 100% Work From Office basis. You will execute and support end-to-end payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and timely processing, with validations and reconciliations as needed.

The role requires hands-on ADP Workforce Now experience, plus exposure to international payroll regions and strong analytical, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in executing end-to-end payroll processing with accuracy and SLA adherence.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to resolve payroll issues efficiently.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication to handle queries and audits.
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Execute and support end-to-end payroll processing activities.
• Ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and within defined timelines.
• Perform payroll validations, audits, and reconciliation activities.
• Resolve payroll-related queries from employees and stakeholders.
• Support process improvements, documentation, and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with internal teams and client stakeholders for seamless payroll operations.
• Adhere to compliance requirements, payroll controls, and audit standards.

Skills

End-to-end payroll

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Job description

Job Description (SME - Payroll)

Position: Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Payroll
Location: Chennai, India
Shift: Night Shift
Work Mode: Work From Office (WFO)

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Current designation should be:
  • Senior Process Executive (SPE) with a minimum of 3+ years in the role, OR
  • Subject Matter Expert (SME) with a minimum of 1+ year in the role.
• Strong end-to-end payroll processing experience in any of the following regions:
  • United States (US)
  • United Kingdom (UK)
  • Germany
  • Hungary
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
  • Mexico
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now payroll platform is mandatory.
• Ability to manage payroll operations with high accuracy, compliance, and adherence to SLA/KPI requirements.
• Strong analytical, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Execute and support end-to-end payroll processing activities.
• Ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and within defined timelines.
• Perform payroll validations, audits, and reconciliation activities.
• Resolve payroll-related queries and issues from employees and stakeholders.
• Support process improvements, documentation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams and client stakeholders to ensure seamless payroll operations.
• Adhere to compliance requirements, payroll controls, and audit standards.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work in Night Shift.
• Must be comfortable working in a 100% Work From Office (WFO) setup.
• Must be willing to relocate to or work from Chennai.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in handling multiple country payrolls.
• Knowledge of payroll compliance, taxation, and statutory requirements.
• Exposure to transition, process improvement, and client-facing activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Experience Range: As per eligibility criteria and relevant payroll experience.
Location Preference: Candidates willing to work from Chennai only.