Payroll Specialist (Bangkok-based, Relocation Provided) - Agoda

The Payroll Specialist is a senior role within the Global Payroll team based in Bangkok, responsible for end-to-end ownership of payroll operations for assigned countries or regions. The role involves driving payroll excellence, governance, and transformation across international operations. The specialist partners with People, Finance, Tax, Legal, and external vendors to strengthen controls and improve the employee experience. Key duties include managing monthly payroll activities, complex payroll accounting, vendor governance, leading payroll implementations, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. The position requires acting as a subject-matter expert, leading process improvements, and supporting audits and forecasting activities.

Own end-to-end payroll delivery for assigned countries or regions

Lead monthly payroll activities, including validation, variance analysis, and sign-off

Manage complex payroll accounting activities, including GL reconciliation and accruals

Act as the primary subject-matter expert and escalation point

Manage and govern payroll vendors against contractual obligations and SLAs

Build strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders

Lead payroll implementations, migrations, and new-country setups

Partner with People Systems, Finance, and other teams to design scalable processes

Lead payroll readiness activities for new entities and acquisitions

Identify payroll compliance risks and implement mitigation controls

Own process improvement, automation, and operational excellence initiatives

Perform detailed payroll analytics and variance reviews

Support payroll forecasting, budgeting, and cash-flow planning

Lead and support audits, ensuring documentation and controls are met

Develop and maintain payroll SOPs and governance frameworks

Provide guidance and coaching to Payroll Partners

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, HR, Business Administration, or related field

At least 5–7 years of end-to-end payroll and/or payroll accounting experience

Strong experience managing multi-country payroll across APAC, Europe, NAM, or multiple international regions

Strong knowledge of payroll operations, statutory compliance, taxation, and social security

Proven experience independently managing complex payrolls and resolving escalations

Demonstrated experience leading payroll migrations, implementations, and vendor transitions

Strong payroll vendor management experience, including SLA/KPI governance

Proven ability to lead process improvement and standardization initiatives

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Good understanding of payroll accounting, GL reconciliation, and forecasting

Experience supporting internal/external audits and working in a strong governance environment

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Strong written and verbal English communication skills

Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office tools

Experience with Workday and global payroll platforms is preferred

Experience with payroll analytics, automation, or Power BI is an advantage

Ability to coach and support junior team members

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities

Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multicultural environment

Demonstrates resilience, ownership, and sound judgment under pressure

Experience with payroll analytics, automation, reporting tools, or Power BI

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