Overview of the Role:

Reporting to the Payroll Manager, we are currently seeking a Payroll Analyst to closely support the Payroll Manager and the payroll team in Japan. This position is based in Tokyo. Working under the guidance of the Payroll Manager, the Payroll Analyst will manage the entire monthly payroll operations closely working with third-party vendors. The Payroll Analyst will need to have a global attitude — understanding particular country, regional and local differences and requirements, while seeking to drive consistency with global approaches and processes.

This role will assist the Payroll Manager in strengthening our compliance environment by partnering with employee benefits teams around the world to help identify compliance obligations and potential gaps, and to design compliant business processes consistent with our focus on a world-class employee experience. The Analyst will need to be comfortable continuously flexing in the face of the constantly changing external and internal environment, running with the pace of the business and delivering on multiple simultaneous priorities under the Manager’s leadership.

This hire will have a passion for delving into the complexities of compliance requirements, helping distill them into layperson’s terms, and translating them into business process and system requirements. They will work alongside the Payroll Manager to support projects from start to finish, working collaboratively within a small team and with a vast array of business partners across the globe.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing:

• Manage end-to-end payroll operations for Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, and coordinate annual events (year-end tax adjustment, statutory reports, inhabitant tax renewal, etc.).

• Validate payroll inputs such as new hires, terminations, bonuses, leaves, and other adjustments.

• Ensure payrolls are processed accurately and on schedule in compliance with statutory and internal requirements.

Compliance & Reporting:

• Ensure payroll practices comply with local labor laws, social security, tax, and statutory requirements.

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and year-end payroll reports and reconciliations.

• Maintain SOX compliance by enforcing policies, driving system improvements, and facilitating control documentation, testing, and monitoring.

• Assist with audits and statutory filings.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management:

• Work closely with local payroll vendors to ensure service quality and timely delivery.

• Act as the point of contact between external vendors, Finance, and HR teams.

• Manage outsourced provider escalations; provide feedback and training to improve quality and efficiency.

• Manage SLAs and ensure proper documentation of processes and issues.
  

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities.

• Support regional payroll projects and standardization initiatives.
  

Employee Support:

• Respond to employee inquiries related to payroll, payslips, and tax documentation in a timely and professional manner.

Required Qualification:

• 3–5 years of experience in the field of payroll operations, payroll compliance, corporate employment law with global company (preferably technology or related industry)

• Strong understanding of local payroll legislation, tax, social insurance and statutory requirements in at least Japan

• Experience working with outsourced payroll providers (e.g., ADP, PWC, or regional equivalents).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll/HRIS systems (e.g., Workday).

• Minimum knowledge of a database basic such as data mapping and extraction data tool

• High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to confidentiality.

• Excellent communication skills in Japanese and English; proficiency in Korean or Mandarin is a strong plus.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines across time zones.

• Process re-engineering involvement and / or process efficiency focus

Preferred Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.

• Proven critical thinking capability

• Business English (TOEIC 800 or above is preferable)