Job Description
Pearson is hiring an Advanced Specialist, Payroll to manage end-to-end India payroll operations in a complex multinational environment. This role aligns with industry titles such as Senior Payroll Specialist, Payroll Subject Matter Expert, or Payroll Operations Lead. The position is a senior individual contributor role requiring strong professional judgment, independence, resilience, and expertise in Indian payroll operations.
Role Overview
The selected candidate will support India payroll operations while serving as a trusted advisor and contributing to payroll optimization and AI-readiness initiatives that support the organization’s future-state strategy.
Why Join Our Team
The payroll team is evolving into a modern, strategic capability and has received recognition from the Global Payroll Association. The team has been featured in industry podcasts and publications for its approach to payroll transformation, optimization, and future readiness.
You will join a collaborative, globally connected team focused on people, processes, and technology, with strong emphasis on data quality, automation, and AI readiness. This role provides opportunities to grow payroll expertise and contribute to a highly respected payroll function.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Operations
• Own end-to-end payroll operations for India while ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements including TDS, Provident Fund, ESI, gratuity, and professional tax
• Serve as the primary SME for India payroll and provide guidance on complex regulatory and tax matters
• Lead payroll compliance activities including filings, reconciliations, audits, and year-end reporting including Form 16
• Partner with HR, Finance, Tax, Legal, and external vendors to resolve issues and interpret regulatory changes
• Proactively monitor and assess legislative updates and translate them into payroll requirements
• Mentor and support junior team members while building sustainable SME capability
Trusted Advisor & Stakeholder Partnership
• Act as a trusted payroll advisor to HR, Finance, Tax, and People Operations stakeholders
• Provide practical guidance on payroll impacts, risks, and trade-offs related to business decisions and employee lifecycle events
• Represent payroll confidently in audits, reviews, and cross-functional discussions
Issue Management & Professional Judgment
• Independently identify, assess, and resolve payroll issues including complex and non-standard scenarios
• Determine when to escalate matters, challenge assumptions, or recommend alternative approaches
• Maintain professionalism and composure in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations
Optimization, AI Readiness & Career Growth
• Contribute to process optimization, documentation, and standardization across payroll operations
• Support initiatives that improve data quality, controls, and consistency to enable increased automation and analytics
• Engage in continuous learning and development as payroll capabilities evolve with opportunities to expand expertise and influence
What Success Looks Like
• Payroll is delivered accurately, compliantly, and with stability
• Stakeholders view you as a trusted advisor
• Payroll processes and data become increasingly structured and ready for advanced automation and analytics
• The role holder continues to grow in capability, confidence, and impact within the global payroll organization
Required Experience & Qualifications
• 10+ years of extensive hands-on Indian payroll experience
• Experience supporting payroll operations within a multinational environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage complexity
• Experience partnering with external payroll vendors and service delivery models
Key Attributes for Success
• Resilient and composed in complex or high-pressure environments
• Confident and credible communicator with sound professional judgment
• Resourceful and solution-oriented mindset
• Growth-minded with interest in expanding skills, embracing new technologies, and advancing a payroll career
About Pearson
Pearson helps people realize the life they imagine through learning. As the world's lifelong learning company, Pearson believes every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough.
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Success Stories from Candidates Placed in this Field
Dipti Umesh Myathri - Maharashtra
Lord's Mark Biotech, Thane, Maharashtra
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Accenture, Bangalore
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