Associate Manager - Payroll

Role Overview

Air India Express is looking for an experienced Associate Manager - Payroll – India Region to manage end-to-end payroll operations with high accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.

• This role is critical given the scale, complexity, and regulatory sensitivity of payroll in an aviation organization.
• The incumbent must demonstrate strong attention to detail, compliance orientation, and operational discipline, while ensuring seamless employee experience.
• This is a hands-on Individual Contributor role, requiring full-time on-site presence in Gurgaon.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing & Administration
• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for India employees on a monthly basis
• Ensure accurate computation of salary, overtime, incentives, reimbursements, and deductions
• Process full & final settlements (F&F), arrears, and off-cycle payrolls
• Validate payroll inputs and outputs with strong controls
• Compliance & Statutory Management
• Ensure compliance with Indian statutory requirements including PF, ESI, PT, TDS, LWF, Gratuity
• Coordinate for timely statutory filings, challans, and returns
• Stay updated on changes in payroll laws and implement required updates

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate with payroll vendors / consultants (if applicable)
• Work closely with HR, Finance, and Legal teams for payroll inputs and reconciliations
• Ensure SLA adherence and resolve discrepancies proactively
• Employee Query Management
• Handle payroll-related employee queries with accuracy and confidentiality
• Provide clarity on salary structure, tax deductions, and payslips
• Ensure minimal turnaround time (TAT)

Audit, MIS & Controls

• Maintain payroll MIS, reports, and reconciliations
• Support internal and external audits with proper documentation
• Ensure strong governance, data accuracy, and confidentiality
• Identify process gaps and recommend automation/improvements
• Strong experience in statutory compliance and payroll operations
• Exposure to HRMS / payroll systems (SAP, Oracle, Workday, etc.)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Indian payroll laws & compliance
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to work in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment
• Ideal Candidate Profile
• High ownership and accountability
• Strong integrity and confidentiality mindset
• Process-driven with focus on accuracy and timelines
• Service-oriented with problem-solving approach

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Education MBA / PGDM / B.Com / M.Com (HR / Finance preferred)
• Experience 6–9 years of hands-on payroll experience (India region)