Job Description
Who we are
Aberdeen Investments is part of Aberdeen Group plc, one of the UK’s leading Wealth & Investments groups.
Strengthening talent and culture is one of our strategic priorities. We strive to make Aberdeen a great place to work so that we can attract and retain the industry’s best talent.
Our people put our stakeholders at the heart of everything they do by helping us to make a positive difference to the lives of our clients, customers, colleagues, shareholders and society.
We are repositioning our specialist asset management business to meet client demand and are committed to providing excellent client service, supported by leading technology and talent.
As a global business, Aberdeen consists of three divisions: Investments, Adviser, and interactive investor (ii). Each division is dedicated to meeting and adapting to our clients' evolving needs.
Our Asia Pacific Investments business has a large, dedicated and highly experienced investment team which has been investing across the region since 1985, and manages all our Asian products, including regional, country, smaller companies, and sustainable investing propositions.
The team has a strong regional footprint with offices in Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, and Sydney. This breadth gives us close proximity to the companies we own and the markets we invest in. Our APAC operations have been based in Singapore since 1992. We invest in Asian companies to grow with them and to help them to become better investors
The Regional Payroll Lead (APAC) is a key member of the Global Payroll team, reporting to the Regional Payroll Manager. This role is responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of payroll services across eight jurisdictions: Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Australia.
The role holder will partner closely with external payroll vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure an efficient, accurate, and compliant end‑to‑end payroll process. As a subject matter expert, the Regional Payroll Lead will support with data processing, issue resolution, escalations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The role holder will primarily be responsible for BAU activity but will work closely with transformation resource to shape the future of payroll operations across the region.
Success in this role requires strong analytical capability, sound judgement, and the ability to challenge constructively. The role also contributes to global payroll metrics, reporting, and governance to ensure payroll is delivered right first time, every time.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead accurate, timely payroll delivery across APAC and ensure compliance with local regulations.
- Manage vendor relationships and support country teams with data processing, escalations, and issue resolution.
- Manage escalations related to payroll and tax matters, ensuring issues are resolved promptly and effectively.
- Maintain payroll data standards, KPIs, SLAs, and risk controls to ensure process integrity.
- Deliver finance posting files and support reconciliation activities.
- Conduct quality assurance and support internal/external audit requirements.
- Provide payroll metrics, analytics, and insights on performance and trends.
- Collaborate with HR, Reward, and Finance to ensure alignment across related processes.
- Stay current on regional payroll legislation and ensure organisational compliance.
Skills & Knowledge required
- Experience in global organisations; financial services preferred.
- 5+ years’ regional payroll experience across multiple countries.
- Strong Workday expertise and proficiency with payroll systems and HRIS platforms.
- Deep knowledge of complex payroll topics (e.g., share plans, mobility, statutory requirements).
- Understanding of HR processes, payroll accounting, and compliance frameworks.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
- Collaborative team player with strong organisation and time management skills.
- Self‑motivated, proactive, and able to work independently.
- Creative problem‑solver and advocate for process improvement
