Senior Payroll Specialist at PalmPay

Role Overview

• The Senior Payroll Specialist will oversee and lead the full spectrum of payroll operations at PalmPay, ensuring precise and timely salary processing, strict statutory compliance, and continuous process optimization. The role demands a high degree of technical proficiency, data accuracy, and strategic collaboration with HR and Finance teams to enhance payroll governance and efficiency.
• The ideal candidate is a seasoned payroll professional with proven experience managing complex payroll systems within a fast-paced, multi-entity organization.

Key Responsibilities
Payroll Leadership & Operations

• Lead and manage end-to-end payroll processing for all business entities, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and compliance
• Oversee payroll data validation, reconciliation, and authorization processes
• Supervise junior payroll or HR operations staff, providing mentorship and quality assurance
• Coordinate payroll cut-offs, month-end reporting, and inter-departmental communication to ensure smooth operations

Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure full compliance with all Nigerian tax and labor laws, including PAYE, Pension, NHF, NSITF, and ITF remittances
• Liaise with government agencies, auditors, and regulators on payroll and statutory matters
• Monitor changes in tax or labor legislation and proactively adjust payroll systems and processes

Analytics & Reporting

• Generate and analyze payroll reports to support management decisions and financial planning
• Partner with Finance on payroll-related reconciliations, cost forecasting, and audit schedules
• Maintain comprehensive and secure payroll documentation in line with data protection standards

System Optimization & Process Improvement

• Drive automation initiatives to enhance payroll accuracy, reduce processing time, and improve employee experience
• Implement system upgrades, integrations, and process standardization across payroll and HRIS platforms
• Collaborate with HR and IT to optimize system performance and data integrity

Employee Experience & Support

• Provide expert-level guidance and resolution for complex payroll-related inquiries
• Advise employees and managers on compensation structures, deductions, and benefits interpretation
• Foster transparent and proactive communication on payroll policies and changes

Key Qualifications
Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 2 years in a senior or supervisory capacity
• Demonstrated expertise in Nigerian payroll legislation, tax compliance, and multi-entity payroll management
• Advanced proficiency with payroll systems and HRIS (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Sage, PayDay)
• Experience in the financial services or fintech sector is a strong advantage

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent analytical and numerical aptitude with high attention to detail
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Proven ability to handle confidential data with discretion and integrity
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting proficiency
• Strategic mindset with continuous improvement orientation

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• 100% payroll accuracy and zero compliance breaches
• On-time payroll completion and statutory remittances
• Reduction in processing time through automation and optimization
• Positive employee feedback on payroll service delivery
• Audit readiness and accuracy of payroll documentation

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• Pension and statutory benefits
• Comprehensive health and wellness coverage
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Collaborative, innovative, and high-performance work culture