Senior Manager (Payroll)

About Us

Join the National University of Singapore (NUS) Finance Team – Where Innovation Meets Excellence

At NUS, the Office of Finance stands as a dynamic and strategic partner, driving financial sustainability and operational excellence. Our team plays a crucial role in overseeing financial planning, optimising resources, and enabling the University’s ambition and innovation.

We are at the forefront of formulating, reviewing, and analysing the University’s operating, strategic, and capital budgets. Through strong governance, robust financial processes, and cutting-edge systems, we ensure every dollar is put to its best use, fueling research, education, and transformation.

Why Join Us?

• Make an Impact: Play a key role in shaping financial strategies that influence the University’s growth and global standing.
• Growth & Development: We believe in continuous learning, offering mentorship, career development, and upskilling opportunities.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a high-performing team that values trust, innovation, and excellence.
• Finance Transformation: Be part of initiatives leveraging SAP S4 Hana, AI-driven analytics, and digital finance solutions to drive efficiency and future-ready finance operations.

Job Description

The Senior Manager (Payroll) is responsible for leading and overseeing end-to-end payroll operations in Singapore, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing in accordance with local statutory regulations. This role will drive payroll governance, system excellence, and continuous improvement, while partnering closely with HR and external stakeholders to maintain operational and regulatory integrity.

Key Responsibilities

1. Payroll Operations Management

• Oversee full-cycle payroll processing for employees in Singapore, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage payroll components including salaries, overtime, bonuses, allowances, and deductions.
• Manage payroll schedules, bank files, and payment processes.
• Ensure accurate posting of payroll journals and reconciliation with the general ledger.

2. Statutory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all Singapore payroll regulations and statutory requirements, including CPF (Central Provident Fund) contributions, IRAS reporting (e.g., IR8A, Appendix 8A/8B, Auto-Inclusion Scheme submissions), Skills Development Levy (SDL), NS make-up pay claims (for reservist obligations), maternity/ paternity/ Childcare leave etc.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of statutory filings and payments.
• Keep abreast of legislative changes from MOM (Ministry of Manpower), IRAS, and CPF Board, and implement updates accordingly.
• Support tax clearance processes (IR21) for foreign employees leaving Singapore.

3. Governance, Risk & Audit

• Establish and maintain strong internal controls within payroll processes.
• Ensure payroll processes are audit-ready and compliant with internal and external audit requirements.
• Liaise with auditors, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies on payroll matters.
• Manage payroll reconciliations between payroll system, bank payments, and general ledger.

4. Payroll Systems & Transformation

• Lead system upgrades, enhancements, and implementation projects.
• Drive automation, digitalization, and continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Maintain up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

5. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the payroll team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Manage resource planning and ensure operational continuity.
• Promote continuous learning on regulatory updates and payroll best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, HR or related field.
• Minimum 10 to 12 years of payroll experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong working knowledge of Singapore payroll regulations (CPF, IRAS reporting, MOM requirements) is essential.
• Hands-on experience with SAP Payroll system and S4 HANA.
• Possess excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication and strong interpersonal skills.
• High level of independence as well as the maturity and ability to work with staff at all levels.

This position is only open to Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents.