About Cognizant

Cognizant (Nasdaq-100: CTSH) is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant is ranked 185 on the Fortune 500 and is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com or follow us @Cognizant.

What makes Cognizant a unique place to work? The combination of rapid growth on a global scale in an international and innovative environment! This is creating a lot of opportunities for people like you — ambitious and pro-active with an entrepreneurial spirit who creates and seizes opportunities.

At Cognizant, together with your colleagues from all around the world, you will collaborate on creating solutions for the world's leading companies and help them become more flexible, innovative, and successful. And this is your chance to be part of that story

About the Role

Cognizant Australia is seeking an International Payroll SME to oversee payroll processing and related financial activities for Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. This role involves primarily managing end to end core payroll processing, payroll and benefits related general ledger monthly closing, periodic reporting, and statutory filings. The International Payroll SME will lead semi-monthly/monthly payroll processing, closing, and the development and implementation of process improvements to enhance internal controls and efficiency. This position requires extensive experience in corporate payroll functions, a bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance, and exceptional organizational skills with a keen eye for detail.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Management: Complete the accurate and timely processing of semi-monthly/monthly payrolls using internal (Workday) and third-party payroll platforms, ensuring compliance with the requirements of all the applicable taxing jurisdictions and governmental entities. Review payroll reports ensuring accuracy in net pay, tax, and employer contributions

Statutory compliances: Hands on experience in Australian Payroll taxes, FBT, STP filings, Employee Share Scheme, PAYG, knowledge about modern award categorization and its impact on HR and Payroll policies. In addition, hands on experience on New Zealand compliances namely Kiwisaver etc. is required.

Financial Reporting: Ensure the preparation, accuracy, and timeliness of books and records, monthly closing financial reports, and tax filings.

Bonus Payroll Processing: Process quarterly and annual bonuses, employee referral bonuses, and sign-on bonus payouts.

Tax Compliance: Oversee the calculation, withholding, depositing, and reporting of payroll taxes, ensuring all statutory and tax filings are completed in a timely manner.

General Ledger: Process journal entries in Financial Systems (internal applications, including Workday ) to recognize payroll liabilities on an accrual basis and reconcile general ledger payroll account balances.

Audit Preparation: Prepare audit and annual reporting schedules, ensuring compliance and accuracy. Collaborate with Internal audit to maintain SLA’s and process controls.

Process Improvement: Lead payroll projects focused on process improvements and system enhancements.

Stakeholder Management: Coordinate with HRSS, HR, Legal, IT, Controllership and external payroll vendors for payroll data validations and approvals

Issue Resolution: Research and resolve complex payroll issues and manage employee L2 /L3 queries through Payroll Helpdesk

HR Support: Provide support to People Services for HR initiatives, including benefits administration, compliance, and special projects.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting / Finance or equivalent required.

Experience: 8+ years of experience in payroll operations across APAC, preferably ANZ & Philippines

Proficiency in ERP systems: Workday, SAP, PeopleSoft, ADP.

Skills:

Superior customer service abilities.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Experience in transitioning payroll systems and enhancing internal controls

Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Flexibility, multitasking capability, and adherence to deadlines.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

This role is ideal for a seasoned payroll professional looking to leverage their expertise in a dynamic and challenging environment.