Sr Manager, Payroll

Patra Corporation is the worldwide leader in insurance back-office and account management business process outsourcing. Patra offers a wide range of services designed to lower costs, reduce risk and improve employee productivity through the transfer of account management and business support functions, such as policy checking, certificate issuance, eligibility processing, quality control and account audits, to operation centers in the US, India, and the Philippines.

Reporting to the Payroll & Benefits Director, the Sr. Manager of Payroll & Benefits is a hands-on payroll and benefits leader position based in the Philippines. This person has a strong foundation in local statutory compliance, payroll governance, and people-first delivery. The primary responsibility is to lead all aspects of Philippine payroll operations for a distributed workforce, while ensuring a seamless employee experience, strong internal controls, and alignment with company policies. This role is part of the Compensation & Benefits global enterprise.

Core Duties by Competency:

Knows the Business

• Oversee the complete monthly payroll processing for approximately 350+ employees in Metro Manila, Cebu, and other remote PH locations.
• Manage Insured benefits – Invoicing, reconciliation, payment coordination and facilitate annual renewal
• Serve as the ultimate escalation point for all inquiries regarding payroll and timekeeping in the Philippines.
• Manage the transition to an entirely in-house payroll model, which encompasses system/process design, risk controls, training, and performance monitoring.
• Own the payroll-related components of local benefits programs, such as group insurance, financing, and statutory incentives.

Leads Others

• Work in conjunction with stakeholders to verify inputs concerning attendance, overtime, compensation, performance incentives, and leaves.
• Drive payroll education initiatives for employees and managers to guarantee the transparency and ownership of pay practices.
• Collaborate with Finance and Audit to guarantee financial reporting accuracy, audit readiness, and compliance with internal controls.
• Develop and revise compliance protocols, local payroll process maps, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Accountable

• Ensure that salaries, incentives, adjustments, and final payments are processed accurately and promptly in accordance with the regulations of DOLE, BIR, and other statutory bodies.
• Ensure that all statutory contributions, including SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and HDMF, are filed in a timely manner and are fully compliant.
• Enforce comprehensive documentation and backup trails; implement internal payroll audits, reconciliation routines, and error-proofing mechanisms.
• Ensure that payroll calendars, cut-offs, and timelines are maintained without any delays or errors.
• Monitor local regulatory updates and inform senior management of the implications of DOLE/BIR/SSS changes.

Team Player

• Interpersonal Skills:
• Demonstrates the ability to work well with Patra colleagues and clients and with external organizations
• Promotes Culture of Respect & Safety:
• Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety and respect; Communicates concerns
• Uses and promotes safe respectful behaviors based on training and lessons learned

Minimum Requirements

• In-depth, practical experience with Philippine payroll, including statutory computation.
• Experience with Remittances (HDMF & PHIC), Payroll tax forms (Form 1601C, Form0619E, form 2307, Form 1601EQ, Form1604 C&E) and associated periodical reporting.
• Proficient in the computation of SSS/PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG, timekeeping standards, BIR tax tables, and DOLE rules.
• Proven ability to effectively manage high-volume payroll cycles with precision and efficiency.
• Demonstrated achievement in the transition from outsourced to in-house payroll operations.
• Proficient in the management of audit trails, reconciliations, TATs, and process controls.
• Proficient in Excel and possessing experience with payroll systems or HRIS platforms.
• Strict confidentiality, meticulous attention to detail, and accountability for payroll integrity.
• Proficient in cross-functional communication, particularly in the areas of HR, finance, and audit.
• The capacity to educate and guide others on payroll policies and advocate for transparency.
• Bachelor's degree in accountancy, Human Resources, Finance, or related field (CPA or postgrad qualifications are a plus).
• Minimum 8–10 years of Philippines payroll experience, including at least 3–5 years in a senior functional role.
• Prior experience supporting or co-managing payroll operations across multiple regions (India experience a plus but not required).
• Familiarity with Philippine labor and tax audits, payroll system implementation, and internal policy design.

Working Conditions

• Work from home, Minimum internet speed of 6 mbps download and 3 mbps upload; Directly connected into modem; No satellite

Work Standards

• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable Patra Corp policies and procedures