Manager - Payroll, Tax & Compliance

Are you disciplined? Are you systematic? Do you thrive when leading teams to transform complex operational challenges into streamlined processes? If this is you, we want to know you.

This isn't just a job—it's a mission.
If you're ready to grow with us, we're ready for you.

Leadership and hunger are the keys.

"The leaders are driven, committed, and relentless in making this succeed. They have fire in their belly to grow, and with that fire, they want you to grow too."

At Fig Advisory, we don't just manage businesses—we transform them.

About the Role

Fig Advisory is seeking an
Manager - Payroll Tax & Compliance
in Philippines (for Philippines Law, Tax Authorities and Compliance to Ph) to lead our critical transition of 50 contractors to compliant employee status and establish sustainable operational systems in our Manila office. In this full-time role, you will drive operational excellence while building the compliance infrastructure that supports our Australian clients.

This is a relationship-building role where your leadership skills will drive results.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the 90-day contractor-to-employee transition
• manage the complete transformation of 50 independent contractors to compliant Philippine employees
• Build and manage a 3-person operations team
• recruit, train, and lead Benefits Administrator and Documentation Coordinator roles
• Establish payroll infrastructure
• implement systems leveraging our existing BIR registration to process bi-monthly payroll for 50+ employees
• Drive government compliance
• coordinate SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG registrations while maintaining 100% compliance standards
• Interface with Australian headquarters
• serve as primary liaison for all Philippine operational matters and strategic planning
• Create sustainable processes
• document procedures, establish quality controls, and build scalable systems for future growth
• Manage stakeholder relationships
• coordinate with external service providers, government agencies, and internal teams

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years operations management experience
  with proven track record leading teams through complex transitions
• Philippine payroll and compliance expertise
• hands-on experience with BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG systems for 40+ employees
• Team leadership skills
• ability to recruit, develop, and manage cross-functional teams while maintaining accountability
• Strategic thinking
• can design scalable processes while executing tactical deliverables under tight deadlines
• Stakeholder management
• excellent communication skills for interfacing with Australian management and government agencies
• Self-driven and growth-minded
• committed to building something meaningful from the ground up

Bonus points for:

• CPA license or equivalent accounting/finance qualifications
• Experience with international business operations and compliance
• Background in business process improvement and system implementation

What We Offer

At Fig Advisory, we are committed to providing a supportive and collaborative environment where employees thrive. We offer a competitive remuneration package, ongoing professional development, and a range of health and well-being initiatives.

100% of our employees enjoy working here, and we are proud to be a Great Place To Work (GPTW) certified organisation.

Salary:
PHP 40, ,000 per month

Location:
Quezon City Office

Schedule:
Full-time, standard business hours

Growth Opportunities:
Clear advancement paths for high performers who deliver operational excellence

If you're ready to be part of a growing team where your leadership makes a measurable difference, we encourage you to apply now.

Have a look at what we're about:
Watch here

Ready to transform operations? Apply today.

Adding actionable value through operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management (30%)

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a 3-person operations team (Benefits Administrator and Documentation Coordinator)
• Conduct daily standups, weekly progress reviews, and monthly performance evaluations
• Set priorities, delegate tasks, and ensure accountability across all team deliverables
• Provide coaching and professional development for team members

Strategic Planning

• Develop and execute 90-day contractor-to-employee transition strategy
• Create risk mitigation plans for compliance gaps and operational challenges
• Design scalable procedures for ongoing operations beyond initial setup
• Collaborate with Australian headquarters on policy alignment and implementation

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as primary liaison between Philippine operations and Australian management
• Interface with external service providers (Emerhub, government agencies, vendors)
• Manage employee communications during transition period
• Escalate critical issues with proposed solutions, not just problems

Operational Excellence (70%)

Payroll System Implementation

• Establish comprehensive payroll infrastructure leveraging existing BIR registration
• Implement payroll software systems and approval workflows
• Design employee data collection, verification, and maintenance processes
• Oversee first compliant payroll processing with full quality control

Compliance Management

• Ensure 100% compliance with Philippine labor laws and government requirements
• Coordinate government registrations across SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG systems
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement necessary adjustments
• Maintain relationships with government agencies and handle inspections

Process Optimization

• Document all operational procedures for sustainability and scalability
• Implement quality control systems for payroll accuracy and compliance
• Establish monthly operational calendars and reporting systems
• Create backup procedures and cross-training protocols

Financial Oversight

• Manage department budget and control operational costs
• Coordinate with Australian finance team on cash flow planning for payroll
• Generate monthly operational reports and metrics
• Ensure accurate financial record-keeping for all employee-related expenses

Required Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field
• CPA license preferred but not mandatory
• Professional certifications in HR or operations management advantageous

Experience

• Minimum 5 years experience in operations management or team leadership
• Proven experience managing payroll operations for 40+ employees
• Experience with Philippine government compliance (BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG)
• Track record of successfully leading complex operational transitions

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in payroll software (PayrollHero, SAP, or equivalent)
• Expert-level Excel skills for data analysis and reporting
• Familiarity with Philippine government online portals and submission systems
• Strong understanding of Philippine labor law and compliance requirements

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex projects
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities
• Experience managing budgets and controlling operational costs

Key Performance Indicators

90-Day Transition Goals

• 100% successful transition of 50 contractors to employee status
• Zero compliance penalties or government violations
• All team members operational and cross-trained on key procedures
• First compliant payroll processed without errors

Ongoing Performance Metrics

• Payroll accuracy rate of 99.5% or higher
• Government compliance score of 100% (no violations or penalties)
• Team productivity and satisfaction scores above 90%
• Monthly operational costs within approved budget
• Employee satisfaction with transition process above 85%

Success Profile

We are looking for someone who:

• Takes ownership of complex challenges and drives them to completion
• Can think strategically while executing tactically
• Builds strong relationships with both team members and external stakeholders
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing priorities
• Communicates clearly and proactively with Australian headquarters
• Shows initiative in identifying and solving problems before they escalate

This role is ideal for:

• An experienced operations professional ready for increased leadership responsibility
• Someone who enjoys building systems and processes from the ground up
• A detail-oriented manager who can maintain accuracy under pressure
• A professional who wants to grow with an expanding international company

What We Offer

Professional Development

• Opportunity to build and lead operations from startup phase
• Direct exposure to international business operations and standards
• Career growth potential as the company expands
• Training and development budget for professional certifications

Work Environment

• Modern office facility in professional business district
• Latest technology and systems for efficient operations
• Collaborative team environment with Australian management support
• Clear procedures and documentation for all processes

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary range PHP 40, ,000 per month
• Performance-based annual reviews with salary adjustment potential
• Comprehensive government benefits (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG)
• 13th month pay and additional performance incentives

Application Process

To Apply:
Please submit your complete application including:

• Detailed CV highlighting relevant leadership and operations experience
• Cover letter addressing why you're the right fit for this transformation challenge
• Contact information for 3 professional references
• Examples of successful operational projects you've led

Interview Process:
Initial screening, practical case study, final interview with Australian management

• Fig Advisory Philippines Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics.