Payroll Consultant (AW)

Job Summary/Purposes

The Payroll Consultant is responsible for accurate and timely monthly payroll processing, tax declarations, social insurance and housing fund payments, and related statutory compliance. This role requires familiarity with various HR systems, and the ability to improve payroll process efficiency and effectiveness. The role ensures that local payroll operations follow corporate guidelines, local regulations, and data compliance requirements, while staying updated on payroll policies and regulatory changes.

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Manage the full cycle monthly payroll for all employees (including office staff and retail/store teams), ensuring 100% accuracy and on time salary disbursement.

• Oversee monitoring for regular pay, overtime, incentives, commissions, bonuses, allowances, and deductions, and validate payroll inputs from HR, attendance, and sales systems.

• Conduct sales commission-related income analysis when needed.

• Work with the local labor cost counterpart to prepare monthly budget versus actual payroll analysis.

• Ensure strict compliance with individual income tax (IIT) regulations, including special additional deductions, monthly withholding, and annual reconciliation.

• Manage the payroll provider and coordinate with key stakeholders, including local HRBP, the labor cost team, and HQ counterparts for master data, sales, and attendance systems.

• Work with external payroll vendors and internal Finance to reconcile payroll data, fund transfers, accruals, and accounting entries.

• Coordinate with internal and external auditors to provide payroll data and compliance evidence for control and audit purposes.

Team Management & Process Governance

• Train and guide the payroll team, and establish clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality checklists to ensure consistency and reliability.

• Review and improve payroll workflows to reduce cycle time and errors, and implement internal controls and segregation of duties.

• Stay updated on payroll policies, tax rules, social insurance, and housing fund regulations, and update company practices accordingly.

Business & Ad hoc

• Drive payroll system enhancements and digitalization initiatives, working with Group HR and IT to automate data interfaces, improve validation rules, and generate advanced reports.

• Support budget-related data when needed, including master file updates, manpower planning checks, cost simulations, and other HR expenses, etc.

• Support other ad-hoc projects related to compensation processes and labor cost management.

Knowledge and Skills

• Education: University degree

• Experience: 5–8 years of progressive HR operations or related C&B experience, with at least 2 years in a payroll calculation/supervisory role. Hands-on experience with large-volume payroll for 1,500+ employees is essential.

• Special Knowledge: Strong understanding of China payroll practices, individual income tax, social insurance and housing fund regulations, labor law, and HR data processes.

• Technical Skills: Excel skills and proficiency in HRIS or payroll systems, such as SAP, SF, or local payroll software. Experience with system implementation or digital transformation is a plus.

• Language: Good English reading and writing skills, with the ability to communicate with global HR and IT teams.

• Industry Preference: Experience in the fashion or retail industry is highly desirable, especially with complex commission structures.

• Competencies:

o Strong logical thinking and analytical skills

o High attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy

o Strong learning agility and resilience under pressure

o Effective communication and stakeholder management

o Proven strong team player