Senior Payroll Specialist

About the Role

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in payroll management, with expertise in Indian labor laws and regulations. They will be responsible for ensuring that all payroll-related activities are conducted in a timely and accurate manner, with a focus on maintaining confidentiality and integrity in payroll data. This role offers a unique opportunity for a skilled payroll professional to join a dynamic and growing company and make a significant impact on the organization.

Gainsight is a leader in AI-driven customer success, providing a suite of solutions that help companies drive learning, adoption, community connection, and success for their customers. With a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Gainsight is an exciting and dynamic place to work, with a culture that values collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning.

What You Will Do

• Own and run the complete monthly payroll cycle for Gainsight India, including inputs, validation, processing, approvals, and disbursement, with zero tolerance for accuracy or timeliness misses.
• Manage the relationship with the payroll partner, including monthly data handoffs, SLAs, output validation, and sign-off on processing and statutory filings.
• Coordinate with the external EPF consultant on provident-fund compliance, contributions, filings, transfers, member queries, and any inspections or notices.
• Ensure full statutory compliance across EPF, ESI, Professional Tax, TDS, Labor Welfare Fund, and gratuity, including timely remittances and filings.
• Manage year-end activities, including investment-proof verification, tax declarations, Form 16 generation, and employee tax communications.
• Partner with the Finance team on GL posting, payroll reconciliations, accruals, and month-end close.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll, tax, and compliance queries, responding promptly and confidentially.
• Own payroll audit readiness, acting as the primary payroll point of contact for statutory, internal, tax, and controls/SOX audits, as well as for due-diligence and transfer-pricing reviews.
• Prepare, reconcile, and maintain a complete, audit-ready evidence trail, including payroll registers, statutory challans and returns, bank disbursement proofs, GL and headcount/CTC reconciliations, and approval documentation.

What We Are Looking For

• Strong skills in Indian statutory compliance, outsourced payroll vendor management, and audit readiness.
• Experience in managing end-to-end payroll cycles, with expertise in payroll processing, tax compliance, and labor laws.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in Excel, Google Sheets, and other payroll management tools.
• Experience in managing and maintaining confidential and sensitive information, with a focus on data integrity and security.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in payroll management.

Nice to Have

• Experience in managing payroll for a large and distributed workforce.
• Knowledge of Indian labor laws and regulations, including the new Labor Codes.
• Experience in implementing process improvements and automation in payroll management.
• Certification in payroll management, such as a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or a Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Experience in working with external consultants and auditors, with a focus on statutory compliance and audit readiness.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package, with a focus on providing a comprehensive and supportive work environment.
• Opportunity to work with a dynamic and growing company, with a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborative and creative work environment, with a culture that values teamwork, continuous learning, and professional development.
• Flexible working hours and remote work options, with a focus on providing a healthy work-life balance.
• Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, with a focus on providing the resources and support needed to succeed in the role.
• Professional development and growth opportunities, with a focus on providing training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs, with a focus on providing a supportive and inclusive work environment.

• Develop a strong understanding of Indian labor laws and regulations, including the new Labor Codes, to ensure compliance and accuracy in payroll management.
• Create a portfolio of your work, including examples of payroll management, tax compliance, and audit readiness, to demonstrate your skills and experience to potential employers.
• Practice your analytical and problem-solving skills, using tools such as Excel and Google Sheets, to improve your ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Network with other payroll professionals, through organizations such as the Indian Payroll Association, to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
• Consider obtaining a certification in payroll management, such as a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or a Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience and skills in payroll management, including your ability to work with external consultants and auditors, and to provide examples of your work in a portfolio or during an interview.
• Research the company and the role, including the company culture and values, to ensure that you are a good fit for the position and the organization.