Senior Payroll Specialist

Job Purpose

We are looking for a Senior Payroll Specialist to join our HR team and take ownership of payroll operations and Core HR activities for Malaysia. This is a critical role that ensures every employee is paid accurately and on time, while maintaining compliance with local statutory requirements and Unilever’s global standards. You will be the subject matter expert for payroll processes, controls, and governance, and play a key role in enhancing employee experience through seamless payroll delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Statutory Compliance:

• End-to-End Payroll Management & Core HR activities:

• Manage the full payroll cycle, including data collection, validation, calculation, approvals, bank transfers, and statutory reporting.

• Ensure payroll accuracy for a diverse workforce, including office and factory employees.

• Guarantee timely and accurate filings and payments for EPF/KWSP, SOCSO/PERKESO, EIS, and PCB/MTD.

• Stay updated on changes in Malaysian labor laws and tax regulations and implement necessary adjustments.

Vendor & System Coordination:

• Liaise with outsourced payroll providers to ensure SLAs are met and defects are resolved promptly.

• Support HRIS and Finance system integrations, including UAT and parallel runs during upgrades or transitions.

Controls & Audit:

• Maintain payroll control files and reconciliation schedules.

• Prepare documentation for internal and external audits and support global compensation and tax reporting requirements.

Employee Experience & Stakeholder Management:

• Respond to payroll queries with accuracy and empathy.

• Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Rewards, Finance, and external advisors to deliver a seamless payroll experience.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on payroll experience, with strong knowledge of Malaysia statutory frameworks (EPF, SOCSO, EIS, PCB/MTD).

• Experience with outsourced payroll models and HRIS/Finance integrations.

• Advanced Excel and reconciliation skills; familiarity with payroll-to-GL processes.

• Diploma/Degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field.

• Strong stakeholder management, integrity, and confidentiality.

Preferred:

• Experience managing payroll for multi-site or mixed workforce populations.

• Exposure to payroll transformation or vendor transitions in APAC.

Why Join Unilever?
Be part of a purpose-led, performance-driven organization that values sustainability and innovation.
Enjoy hybrid working arrangements that support flexibility and work-life balance.
Access continuous learning opportunities and career development programs.
Work in a collaborative environment with a strong HR community and global network.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.