Why UKG
At UKG, the work you do matters. The code you ship, the decisions you make, and the care you show a customer all add up to real impact. Today, tens of millions of workers start and end their days with our workforce operating platform. Helping people get paid, grow in their careers, and shape the future of their industries. That's what we do.
We never stop learning. We never stop challenging the norm. We push for better, and we celebrate the wins along the way. Here, you'll get flexibility that's real, benefits you can count on, and a team that succeeds together. Because at UKG, your work mattersand so do you.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Associate Manager Payroll Operations (APAC) to lead multi-country payroll operations across the APAC region. This role requires strong domain expertise in APAC payroll, team leadership capability, operational governance, and a continuous improvement mindset to build a high-performing, SLA-driven payroll organization.
The ideal candidate will bring 912 years of payroll/HCM experience, including significant exposure to APAC payroll operations, along with proven people management experience.
Key Responsibilities
APAC Payroll Operations
- Oversee end-to-end payroll operations for multiple APAC countries.
- Ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with local statutory requirements and labor laws.
- Maintain strong understanding of country-specific payroll regulations, statutory deductions, tax requirements, and reporting obligations.
- Ensure all daily production requirements are completed within agreed SLAs.
- Maintain high levels of payroll accuracy and compliance at all times.
- Review and finalize Root Cause Analysis (RCA) documentation and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Manage escalations related to payroll discrepancies or compliance concerns.
Team Leadership & People Management
- Lead and manage a team of 914 payroll professionals.
- Drive hiring, onboarding, training, and continuous skill development.
- Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, coaching sessions, and performance reviews.
- Address performance gaps proactively and implement improvement plans.
- Mentor and guide team members to build a high-performing, accountable culture.
- Encourage process innovation and ensure team participation in continuous improvement initiatives.
Governance, Controls & Quality
- Ensure adherence to internal controls and compliance frameworks.
- Implement and monitor effective quality control measures.
- Generate operational dashboards and performance metrics to manage productivity and accuracy.
- Proactively identify service or business risks and communicate mitigation plans to leadership.
- Maintain documentation and ensure audit readiness.
Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders (HR, Finance, Compliance, Technology).
- Collaborate effectively across global teams.
- Manage complex stakeholder communications professionally.
- Demonstrate strong customer service orientation and business partnership mindset.
Transformation & Continuous Improvement
- Support leadership in automation and payroll transformation initiatives.
- Participate in payroll implementations and process enhancement projects.
- Leverage technology to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Drive standardization and best practices across APAC payroll operations.
Required Qualifications
- 912 years of total experience, with at least:
5+ years in APAC payroll or HCM operations
5+ years of team management experience
- Experience managing a team of 914 members.
- Strong understanding of APAC payroll regulations and statutory compliance.
- Experience working in SLA-driven, high-volume payroll environments.
- Strong knowledge of payroll controls and governance.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel expertise preferred).
- Strong problem-solving, time management, and prioritization skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with UKG Pro (UltiPro) or similar HCM/payroll platforms.
- Payroll implementation or transition experience.
- Exposure to automation and transformation initiatives.
- FPC/CPP or relevant payroll certification (preferred).
- Experience in a global or multinational organization.
Company Overview
UKG is the Workforce Operating Platform that puts workforce understanding to work. With the world's largest collection of workforce insights, and people-first AI, our ability to reveal unseen ways to build trust, amplify productivity, and empower talent, is unmatched. It's this expertise that equips our customers with the intelligence to solve any challenge in any industry because great organizations know their workforce is their competitive edge. Learn more at ukg.com.
UKG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, including the recruitment process.
Disability Accommodation in the Application and Interview Process
For individuals with disabilities that need additional assistance at any point in the application and interview process, please email [Confidential Information]
