Job Purpose
This position is responsible for the end-to-end management of payroll operations, statutory benefits, and payroll-related HR administration in Korea, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with Korean labor law, tax regulations, and internal HR policies.
The role will take proactive ownership of payroll accuracy, controls, issue resolution, and continuous process improvement, working closely with employees, managers, payroll and tax vendors, Finance, and regional HR stakeholders.
In addition, the role will dedicate approximately 20% of its scope to supporting Talent Acquisition activities, partnering with the TA Partner and HR team to ensure an efficient and positive recruitment and onboarding experience.
 
Key Responsibilities
Payroll & HR Operations

• Take ownership of the end-to-end monthly payroll cycle, ensuring payroll is processed accurately and on time.
• Proactively consolidate, review and validate monthly payroll inputs and variances, including new joiners, leavers, promotions, salary changes, HRIS updates, allowances, deductions and other payroll components.
• Perform pre- and post-payroll validation, identify discrepancies or potential risks, and proactively coordinate corrective actions with the payroll vendor and relevant stakeholders.
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related queries and issues, providing timely and accurate guidance to employees, store managers and senior management.
• Manage all payroll-related documentation and ensure accurate and timely submission to payroll, tax and other external vendors.
• Manage employee leave administration, including maternity leave, parental leave and other statutory or company leaves, ensuring accurate payroll and statutory benefit treatment.
• Calculate and validate overtime and other variable payments for retail employees.
• Manage and monitor employee timecard data and proactively follow up on missing or inaccurate records with managers.
• Coordinate and execute the annual year-end tax settlement, working closely with the payroll vendor and employees.
• Manage monthly and annual income tax reporting, including withholding tax and TEQ-related processes.
• Coordinate stock compensation taxation and withholding with relevant tax vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Administer employee benefits, including welfare points, group insurance, long-service awards, language support and employee discount programs.
• Maintain strong payroll controls and accurate records to support internal/external audits and compliance requirements.
• Regularly review payroll processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and employee experience, including system or process enhancements.
• Partner with Finance, HR, Employee Services and external vendors to resolve payroll-related issues and ensure smooth HR operations.
• Support payroll and benefits projects, policy changes and other HR operational initiatives as required.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2–3 years of hands-on payroll experience; experience in the retail industry is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Korean labor law, payroll practices, withholding tax regulations and HR systems (e.g. SuccessFactors).
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage payroll processes and proactively resolve payroll issues.
• Strong attention to detail, numerical accuracy and analytical skills.
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence in handling large volumes of employee and payroll data.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including interaction with senior leadership and external vendors.
• A proactive, hands-on and solution-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership.
• Previous exposure to recruitment or Talent Acquisition would be an advantage, but is not essential.
• Good English communication skills would be a plus.