Compensation Benefits Specialist

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Payroll and Benefits Officer is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll, timekeeping, and government-mandated benefits for employees in the Philippines. This role ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies. The specialist also serves as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries related to payroll and benefits.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

Payroll Processing

• Process end-to-end payroll for Philippine employees, including calculating wages, salaries, overtime, allowances, bonuses, incentives and deductions.
• Accurately calculate and withhold applicable payroll taxes.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing in accordance with established schedules.
• Maintain and update payroll records, including employee information, salary changes, and tax withholdings.
• Calculate and process final pay and severance pay for separated employees, ensuring accurate computation of last salary, unpaid wages, prorated 13th month pay, leave conversions (if applicable), severance pay (for redundancy, retrenchment, or authorized causes),
• Prepare and generate payroll reports for management review and statutory compliance (e.g., BIR forms).
• Coordinate with the Finance department for payroll funding and reconciliation.
• Manage coordination with third-party payroll or HRIS providers,

Timekeeping Management

• Oversee the timekeeping system and ensure accurate recording of employee work hours.
• Validate employee attendance, leaves, overtime and adjustments prior to payroll cut offs
• Verify and validate timesheet data, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with company policies and labor laws.
• Administer employee leave requests and ensure proper documentation.
• Provide guidance to employees and managers on timekeeping procedures.
• Coordinate with team leads/managers for approval cut-offs

Government Benefits Administration

• Administer government-mandated benefits, including SSS (Social Security System), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG contributions and loans.
• Assist with SSS sickness and maternity benefit claims, including submission and reimbursement follow-ups
• Process employee enrollment, contributions, and loan applications for government agencies.
• Ensure accurate setup of loan deductions and other statutory or company-mandated deductions in the payroll system
• Prepare and submit required reports and remittances to government agencies accurately and on time.
• Stay updated on changes in government regulations and ensure compliance.
• Handle employee inquiries and resolve issues related to government benefits

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with all relevant Philippine labor laws, tax regulations, and company policies related to payroll and benefits.
• Prepare and file statutory reports, including but not limited to BIR forms, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG reports.
• Maintain accurate and organized payroll and benefits records and documentation.
• Assist with internal and external audits related to payroll and benefits.

Internal Reporting

• Generate payroll-related reports as requested by Finance, HR, and other departments to support operational and management needs.
• Validate payroll, attendance, overtime, leave, and deduction data used for billing, and internal costing
• Prepare ad hoc payroll reports and data extracts as needed
• Maintain confidentiality, data integrity, and compliance when handling payroll and employee information.

Employee Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries related to payroll, timekeeping, and benefits.
• Provide timely and accurate responses to employee questions and resolve any issues or concerns.
• Educate employees on payroll processes, benefits programs, and government regulations.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Educational Background:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Accounting or a related field
• Relevant certifications in payroll and benefits are advantageous.

Years of Related Experience

• 4 to 5 years in handling Philippine Payroll and Benefits
• Proven experience with Payroll/HR software and tools
• Experience in Project management and continuous improvement

Skills

• Proficiency in MS Office Suites
• In-depth knowledge of Philippine labor laws, tax regulations (tax annualization), reporting and government-mandated benefits (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG).
• Demonstrates a high level of compliance awareness and accountability in handling government-mandated tasks
• Comfortable working with or coordinating 3rd-party HRIS/payroll vendors for system and service alignment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Filipino
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with diverse employees
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage confidential data
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in reporting and data analysis.

Core Competencies

• Timekeeping and Payroll
• Administration Benefits
• Compliance and PH Labor Law Knowledge
• Payroll Tax Knowledge
• Payroll Reconciliation and Auditing
• Communication and Customer Service
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills