Manager, Payroll (Payroll automation & operations)

KPMG Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in Singapore is seeking a Payroll Manager. In this role, you will lead payroll transformation, oversee operations for approximately 3,500 employees, and ensure compliance with Singapore payroll legislation. We are looking for a candidate with at least 7 years of experience in payroll operations and strong leadership skills. This position offers the opportunity to create a high-performance culture and drive operational excellence.

Benefits

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Flexible working framework

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years managing full-cycle payroll operations.
• 3 years leading a payroll team.
• Experience in payroll process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll transformation and process optimization.
• Oversee payroll operations for 3,500 employees.
• Prepare and review payroll reports and journal entries.

Skills

Payroll operations management

Process optimization

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in HR, Business Admin, Accounting

Tools

SAP

SuccessFactors

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Manager, Payroll (Payroll automation & operations)

Function(s): Corporate Services

Work Type: Permanent

Start Date for Applications: 25 Aug 2025

Closing Date for Applications:

KPMG in Singapore is part of a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 143 countries and territories with more than 273,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

Job Description

At KPMG Singapore, our People, Performance & Culture (PPC) team is committed to empowering teams to stay in front by creating a workplace where people thrive. We design and deliver programs that attract, develop, and retain top talent, while fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion.

We’re looking for a Payroll Manager who is passionate about leading from the front—someone who thrives on driving operational excellence, innovating to stay ahead, and transforming payroll into a strategic enabler of business success.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll transformation by identifying opportunities for automation and process optimization to enhance operational efficiency
• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations across multiple business entities, ensuring accurate and timely processing for a workforce of approximately 3,500 employees.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the payroll team, fostering a high-performance culture and promoting continuous development.
• Serve as the primary liaison for internal and external audits, managing payroll-related escalations effectively.
• Prepare and review payroll reports, journal entries, and account reconciliations in accordance with regulatory standards and corporate policies.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders to resolve escalations and support evolving business needs.
• Stay abreast of Singapore payroll legislation and industry best practices, continuously refining internal processes to ensure compliance and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate should possess:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience managing full-cycle payroll operations, with a minimum of 3 years leading and developing a payroll team.
• Proven, hands-on experience in designing and implementing payroll process improvements, including automation and system enhancements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a passion for building efficient, tech-enabled processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with SAP or SuccessFactors payroll systems is a plus.
• A proactive, detail-oriented mindset with a drive to stay in front of change.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by KPMG Talent Acquisition team. Personal data collected will be used for recruitment purposes only.

At KPMG in Singapore we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity of thought, background and experience strengthens relationships and delivers meaningful benefits to our people, our clients and communities. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, gender identity or expression, colour, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or other non-merit factors. We celebrate the different talents that our people bring and support every staff member in their journey to achieve personal and professional growth. One of the ways we do this is through Take Charge: Flexi-work, our flexible working framework which enables agile and innovative teams to help deliver our business goals.