Deputy Manager - HR (Payroll)

To manage and ensure accurate, timely and compliant end-to-end payroll processing for employees across multiple locations and entities. The role will be responsible for payroll validation, statutory compliance, employee data management, payroll audits, reconciliation, MIS reporting and coordination with HR, Finance and external agencies.

Key Responsibilities

A. Payroll Processing & Validation

• Manage the complete monthly payroll process from payroll input collection to salary processing.
• Validate employee master data, salary structures, new joiners, exits, transfers, promotions and revisions.
• Ensure accurate calculation of salary, arrears, incentives, overtime, allowances, deductions, reimbursements and recoveries.
• Review payroll inputs received from HRBPs and respective business teams before payroll processing.
• Ensure payroll is processed within defined timelines and salary is credited accurately.

B. Attendance & Leave Validation

• Coordinate with HRBPs and business teams for monthly attendance closure.
• Validate attendance, LOP, paid days, leave, absenteeism and other attendance-related inputs.
• Review overtime and emergency allowance data and ensure payment is made as per approved policy.
• Identify and resolve attendance-related discrepancies impacting payroll.

C. Payroll Reconciliation & Audit

• Perform monthly reconciliation between payroll, salary registers, bank statements and statutory challans.
• Investigate payroll variances and ensure timely correction.
• Support internal, statutory and payroll audits by providing required data and explanations.
• Maintain proper documentation and audit trails for payroll transactions.
• Identify process gaps and implement preventive controls to minimize payroll errors.

D. HRMS & Payroll System Management

• Ensure accuracy of employee master data and payroll configurations in HRMS.
• Coordinate with the HRMS/IT team for system issues, enhancements and automation.
• Identify system-related payroll discrepancies and ensure timely resolution.
• Support integration and automation of payroll, attendance and business systems.
• Conduct periodic data validation to ensure system accuracy.

E. Payroll MIS & Reporting

• Prepare monthly payroll reports, salary registers and management MIS.
• Provide headcount, payroll cost, overtime, incentive, attrition and other payroll-related reports.
• Prepare variance analysis between current and previous payroll.
• Provide payroll data for budgeting, forecasting and management review.
• Maintain payroll trackers and dashboards for key payroll metrics.

F. Process Improvement & Automation

• Continuously review payroll processes to improve accuracy, efficiency and turnaround time.
• Identify repetitive/manual activities and recommend automation.
• Develop payroll checklists, validation controls and SOPs.
• Ensure implementation of process improvements and system enhancements.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of employee payroll information.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of end-to-end payroll processing.
• Good understanding of PF, ESIC, PT, LWF, TDS, Bonus, Gratuity and applicable labour laws.
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Excel, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, IF formulas and data validation.
• Experience in HRMS/payroll systems.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• High level of confidentiality and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage strict payroll deadlines and large employee volumes.