Payroll Specialist

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

1. End-to-End Payroll Ownership

· Lead and execute monthly payroll for China entities (including off-cycle runs)

· Oversee full payroll cycle: data collection → validation → calculation → payment → reporting

· Perform complex gross-to-net calculations, including bonuses, equity, and expatriate payroll

· Ensure timely and accurate salary disbursement

2. China Statutory Compliance & Expertise

· Ensure compliance with China Individual Income Tax (IIT) regulations and filings

· Manage social insurance and housing fund (SI & HF) contributions across different cities

· Interpret and implement changes in China labor laws and tax policies

· Handle year-end tax reconciliation and annual filings

· Act as internal SME on China payroll regulations

3. Payroll Controls, Audit & Risk Management

· Design and enforce payroll controls and validation checks

· Review payroll outputs and resolve discrepancies

· Lead internal and external payroll audits and ensure compliance with SOX/internal control frameworks

4. Stakeholder & Vendor Management

· Collaborate with HR, Finance, Tax, Legal and external service providers on data integrity and issue resolution.

· Escalation points for complex payroll issues

· Provide guidance and training to junior payroll staff

5. Reporting & Analytics

· Prepare payroll reports (cost analysis, variance reports, headcount reports)

· Deliver insights on payroll trends and cost optimization

6. Process Improvement & Projects

· Drive payroll process improvements and automation initiatives

· Participate in system implementations or migrations (e.g., Oracle, SAP, ADP) and any ad-hoc payroll or HR related projects as required

· Standardize payroll processes across entities or locations

· Improve data accuracy and operational efficiency

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Finance, Accounting, HR, or related field.

· 4-7 years of hands-on payroll experience, with strong China payroll exposure.

· Strong knowledge of payroll systems (SAP & ADP) , compliance requirements and regulatory frameworks.

· Detail-oriented with strong analytical & problem-solving skills.

· Effective communication (English & Mandarin) and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in a multicultural environment.

· Ability to work independently and lead inititives

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work