Introduction
At IBM Human Resources & Talent Transformation, we reimagine the way people work by combining AI, data, and human centred design. Our teams help close skill gaps, modernize HR models, and create engaging employee experiences at scale. Working in HR at IBM means bridging technology and people. Streamlining processes, driving agility, and enabling leaders and employees to thrive. You'll collaborate across the business to shape the future of work. With continuous learning, career growth, and a culture built on empathy and innovation, IBM offers the opportunity to make a real impact on organizations and people worldwide.
Your Role And Responsibilities
As a Japanese Payroll Specialist, you are the guardian of employee trust and regulatory compliance for our Japan operations. Your day-to-day will involve:
- End-to-End Execution: Managing the full payroll cycle for Japan, ensuring 100% accuracy in gross-to-net calculations, including statutory deductions for Social Insurance and Labor Insurance.
- Compliance Leadership: Overseeing the Year-End Tax Adjustment (Nenmatsu Chosei) and ensuring the timely filing of legal reports to Japanese tax and labor bureaus.
- Linguistic Bridge: Acting as the primary liaison between the global headquarters and Japanese local entities, translating complex payroll policies into culturally appropriate Japanese communication.
- Data Integrity: Maintaining and auditing employee master data within the HRIS, ensuring all changes (new hires, terminations, salary adjustments) are captured according to Japanese labor law.
- Employee Advocacy: Resolving complex payroll inquiries in Japanese, providing high-touch support that aligns with Japanese standards of professional service.
Preferred Education
Master's Degree
Required Technical And Professional Expertise
- Language Mastery: Near-native or native fluency in Japanese (JLPT N1 level) with the ability to read and write technical legal/tax documents. Professional proficiency in English is required for internal reporting.
- Japanese Payroll Core: Minimum 3 years of direct experience handling Japanese payroll, including deep knowledge of the Labor Standards Act and Taxation Law.
- Statutory Knowledge: Hands-on experience with Shakai Hoken (Health and Pension insurance) and Gensen Choshu(Withholding Tax) procedures.
- Analytical Rigor: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables) for complex data reconciliation.
- Attention to Detail: A proven track record of managing high-volume data with zero margin for error.
Preferred Technical And Professional Experience
- Systems Experience: Experience with global payroll platforms (e.g., Workday, ADP Streamline, or SAP ECC, SAP ECP) integrated with local Japanese vendors.
- Regional Expertise: Knowledge of payroll practices in other APAC regions is a plus.
- Process Improvement: A history of automating manual payroll workflows or implementing new payroll software in a Japanese business context.
