Senior Payroll Tax Manager

About the role

Airwallex, the AI-native financial operating system used by more than 675,000 businesses, is looking for a Senior Manager, Payroll Tax to own and evolve its global payroll tax strategy and operating framework. Based in Singapore, the role is the subject matter expert for employment tax, payroll withholding, employer social security, benefits-in-kind, equity compensation and related reporting across entities and jurisdictions. It works closely with Global Payroll, People Operations, HR, Finance, Legal, Accounting, Global Mobility, HRIS and external advisers to keep payroll tax accurate, compliant and scalable.

Key responsibilities

• Own the global payroll tax strategy, policies and operating framework, and set standards for governance, controls, documentation, escalation and audit readiness.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting employment tax, withholding, social security, benefits-in-kind and equity compensation.
• Partner with Global Payroll on accurate, timely processing, tax calculations, reconciliations, payments, year-end reporting and statutory filings.
• Oversee compliance across jurisdictions, including income tax, employer contributions, social security, pensions and local levies.
• Review payroll registers, tax calculations, journals and reconciliations, resolving discrepancies before filing or payment deadlines.
• Advise on tax implications of new hires, terminations, bonuses, commissions, benefits, allowances, equity awards and relocations; advise on benefits-in-kind valuation, withholding and reporting.
• Oversee the tax treatment and reporting of equity arrangements such as ESOPs, RSUs and share awards.
• Support new entity launches, market entry and changes to employment models with Legal and business teams.
• Manage payroll tax audits, authority correspondence and notices, and manage external advisers and vendors.
• Drive standardisation of payroll elements, chart-of-accounts mapping and reporting, and identify automation opportunities.
• Use data and analytics to spot anomalies, control gaps and process improvements, and communicate technical matters clearly to senior stakeholders.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Tax, Human Resources or a related discipline.
• At least 8 years of experience in payroll tax, employment tax, global mobility tax, payroll operations or a related discipline.
• Strong experience across multiple jurisdictions in a multinational organisation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of payroll withholding, employer social security, benefits-in-kind, equity compensation and employment tax compliance.
• Experience managing payroll vendors and partnering with HRIS, payroll and finance systems teams.
• Preferred: experience in a global technology, financial services or fintech organisation, payroll transformation or HRIS integration projects, equity compensation tax, Employer of Record arrangements, and a professional qualification such as CPA, CTA, CA, ACCA or equivalent.

Required skills

• Payroll reconciliations, controls, year-end reporting, statutory filings and audit processes.
• Analytical, organisational and project-management skills.
• Ability to interpret complex legislation and communicate practical recommendations.
• High level of discretion with confidential employee and compensation information.