21K School is Asia’s leading online school, delivering world-class, personalised education to learners across 70+ countries. The organisation is building the future of schooling through a borderless, flexible, and learner-centric model that combines academic excellence, technology, and strong parent engagement to create a scalable and future-ready learning ecosystem.
As 21K School continues to grow, the organisation is looking for professionals who can build robust, accurate, and compliant processes that support its people and business operations.
The Payroll Specialist – Indian Payroll will be responsible for managing the end-to-end payroll process and ensuring accurate and timely payroll administration for employees. The role will handle payroll processing, statutory compliance, PF and ESI administration, payroll documentation, audits, and adherence to applicable labour laws and regulations. The ideal candidate should have strong hands-on experience in Indian payroll, excellent attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of statutory requirements.
Mode: Onsite
Employment Type: Full-Time
End-to-End Payroll Management
Manage the complete monthly payroll cycle, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing.
Validate payroll inputs including attendance, leave, new joiners, exits, deductions, reimbursements, and other payroll components.
Coordinate with HR and Finance teams to ensure accurate payroll inputs and timely closure.
Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee payroll-related queries.
Statutory Compliance
Manage statutory payroll compliances including PF, ESI, Professional Tax, TDS, and other applicable statutory requirements.
Ensure timely preparation, filing, and payment of statutory contributions and returns.
Stay updated on changes in payroll-related labour laws, regulations, and statutory requirements.
Ensure payroll processes remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
PF & ESI Administration
Handle end-to-end PF and ESI processes including employee registrations, contributions, monthly filings, and related documentation.
Address employee queries and resolve discrepancies related to PF and ESI.
Coordinate with relevant authorities or external partners whenever required.
Payroll Audits & Documentation
Maintain accurate payroll records, registers, reports, and statutory documentation.
Support internal and external payroll audits and provide required reports and documentation.
Ensure payroll data is accurate, complete, confidential, and readily available for audit purposes.
Implement appropriate checks and controls to minimise payroll errors.
Reporting & Process Improvement
Prepare payroll-related MIS and statutory reports as required.
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and efficiency.
Maintain confidentiality and integrity of employee compensation and payroll information.
Collaborate with HR, Finance, and other stakeholders on payroll-related matters.
Selection Criteria
Experience
4–7 years of hands-on experience in Indian payroll processing and administration.
Strong experience managing end-to-end payroll operations.
Prior experience handling PF, ESI, statutory compliance, and payroll audits.
Experience working with payroll or HRMS platforms is preferred.
Must Have
Strong knowledge of Indian payroll processes and statutory compliances.
Hands-on experience with PF and ESI administration.
Good understanding of applicable labour laws and payroll regulations.
Strong analytical and numerical skills.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to handle confidential employee information with discretion.
Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills.
Good to Have
Experience working with Keka or similar HRMS and payroll platforms.
Experience in a fast-paced or growing organisation.
Professional certification in payroll, HR operations, or related areas.
Key Performance Indicators
Payroll accuracy and timely payroll closure.
Timely completion of statutory filings and payments.
Accuracy of PF, ESI, and other statutory deductions.
Successful completion of payroll audits with minimal discrepancies.
Timely resolution of employee payroll queries.
Accuracy and completeness of payroll documentation and reports.
Continuous improvement in payroll processes and controls.
