Payroll Officer APAC

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

British Council Payband 4

Contract Type: Indefinite contract

Closing Date: 31st March 2026

You must have the legal right to work in Japan at the time of application.
There is no relocation or sponsorship support.

Role Purpose:

This role will support the administration of lean transactional payroll operations and for ensuring payroll operations are run efficiently across the hub, its compliance, efficiency, and accuracy.

This includes ensuring the continuous accuracy of MyHR payroll master data, employee records and monthly staff payroll by maintaining relevant records across the hub.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities: 

Relationship & stakeholder management

• Support the collaborative efforts with the People function to ensure a seamless employee experience.
• Handling payroll related queries from staff liaising with vendor and internal stakeholders, and timely management of queries adhering to Service Level Agreements.
• Strive to understand stakeholder queries and resolve tickets in a customer centric manner.

Data management

• Ensure information in MyHR (Global HRIS) is accurate and updated regularly and maintain annual dashboard.
• Master data in payroll software is updated on monthly basis.
• Prepare monthly reconciliation and various reports for respective stake holders.
• Support the review of data sourced from multiple countries.
• Assist with the review of employee data (new hires, changes, additional earnings) from MyHR to inform payroll run(s) and escalate any issue to Line Manager.

Records Management

• Assist with the maintenance rigorous filing of all payroll related documentations (payslips and payroll reports especially).
• Support with archiving/ destroying payroll records in line with data protection policies and practices in the country.
• Support audits where required.
• Verifying the reports generated by the vendor and carrying out accuracy checks
• Setting up the annual payroll calendar with the inputs from internal teams and the vendor and ensure strict adherence to the agreed timelines

Professional services expertise: Where appropriate work in conjunction with the MSP and Payroll Consultant to:

• Support the regional payroll operations strategy, including review of existing delivery model and practices to ensure compliance, efficiency and accuracy.
• Assist with completing payroll calculations manually (through excel templates) or through a payroll system.
• Follow up with payments and contributions to statutory bodies (pension, social security particularly).
• Ensure system generated pay slips are distributed to employees accurately and in time.
• Consolidate payroll register report and other payroll related reports and seek appropriate vetting and approvals for payroll processing.
• Prepare all journals and accruals related to payroll in the countries allocated to this role.
• Assist with the accurate, timely payment and compliance with all statutory requirements.
• Assist with the follow up and timely processing of final settlement for leavers.
• Support overtime process payments and reimbursements were required.
• Ensure timely processing of Purchase Request (PR) and Purchase Orders (PO) for HR related vendor payments i.e. medical insurance, medical claims, payroll vendor fees, etc.

Teamwork

• Proactively support and offer help to other team members when their workload requires additional support.
• Show flexibility in delivering activities that are not strictly in this role scope.

Role specific knowledge and experience: 

Minimum / Essential Requirements

• Experience of working with multiple datasets and confidential employee information
• Experience of delivering payroll operations processes and practices.

• Proven ability in solving process and technical issues

Desirable Requirements:

• Knowledge of automation in payroll
• Expertise/Experience of payroll operations across several countries in the region, including operation of tools, processes and procedures.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills and initiative
• Has worked in a multinational organization, with varied cultures and nationalities.

Language Requirement:

• The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org