Associate Manager - Payroll

Job description

A. Job Summary • Air India Express is looking for an experienced Associate Manager - Payroll India Region to manage end-to-end payroll operations with high accuracy, compliance, and timeliness. • This role is critical given the scale, complexity, and regulatory sensitivity of payroll in an aviation organization. • The incumbent must demonstrate strong attention to detail, compliance orientation, and operational discipline, while ensuring seamless employee experience. • This is a hands-on Individual Contributor role, requiring full-time on-site presence in Gurgaon. B. Key Accountabilities Key Responsibilities • Payroll Processing & Administration • Manage end-to-end payroll processing for India employees on a monthly basis • Ensure accurate computation of salary, overtime, incentives, reimbursements, and deductions • Process full & final settlements (F&F), arrears, and off-cycle payrolls • Validate payroll inputs and outputs with strong controls • Compliance & Statutory Management • Ensure compliance with Indian statutory requirements including PF, ESI, PT, TDS, LWF, Gratuity • Coordinate for timely statutory filings, challans, and returns • Stay updated on changes in payroll laws and implement required updates Vendor & Stakeholder Management • Coordinate with payroll vendors / consultants (if applicable) • Work closely with HR, Finance, and Legal teams for payroll inputs and reconciliations • Ensure SLA adherence and resolve discrepancies proactively • Employee Query Management • Handle payroll-related employee queries with accuracy and confidentiality • Provide clarity on salary structure, tax deductions, and payslips • Ensure minimal turnaround time (TAT) Audit, MIS & Controls • Maintain payroll MIS, reports, and reconciliations • Support internal and external audits with proper documentation • Ensure strong governance, data accuracy, and confidentiality • Identify process gaps and recommend automation/improvements • Strong experience in statutory compliance and payroll operations • Exposure to HRMS / payroll systems (SAP, Oracle, Workday, etc.) C. Skills/Qualities Required 1. Strong knowledge of Indian payroll laws & compliance 2. High attention to detail and accuracy 3. Strong analytical and reconciliation skills 4. Excellent communication and stakeholder management 5. Ability to work in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment 6. Ideal Candidate Profile 7. High ownership and accountability 8. Strong integrity and confidentiality mindset 9. Process-driven with focus on accuracy and timelines 10. Service-oriented with problem-solving approach D. Qualification Required • Education MBA / PGDM / B.Com / M.Com (HR / Finance preferred) • Experience 7-12 years of hands-on payroll experience (India region)