Payroll implementation lead

We are implementing Zing HR Payroll and are looking for a hands-on Payroll + HRIS (techno-functional) specialist who can drive the end-to-end payroll implementation (configuration support, UAT, parallel run, go-live) and then own monthly payroll operations with statutory compliance and controls.
Key Responsibilities
A) Zing HR Payroll Implementation (Project Phase)
- Lead payroll implementation activities on Zing HR in coordination with HR, Finance, IT and Zing HR/vendor teams.
- Conduct requirement gathering and fit-gap analysis, and finalize payroll design, including salary structures, earnings/deductions, statutory rules, and approval workflows.
- Configure and validate payroll rules/mappings (earnings, deductions, arrears, reimbursements, OT/shift allowances, loans/advances, etc.).
- Own master data readiness: employee masters, organization structure, cost centers, bank details, statutory numbers, and salary structures.
- Plan and execute data migration (templates, validation, reconciliation) with strong accuracy checks.
- Drive UAT, issue tracking, defect closure, and sign-offs with stakeholders.
- Manage parallel runs (minimum 12 cycles recommended), reconcile outputs with legacy payroll, and stabilize variances.
- Prepare the go-live plan, cutover checklist, payroll calendar, and SOPs, and train HR/payroll users.
- Ensure integration readiness with attendance/leave, biometrics, finance/ERP, and bank file formats (as applicable).
B) Payroll Operations (BAU Post Go-Live)
- Own end-to-end monthly payroll processing: attendance inputs, validations, payroll computation, approvals, payslip release, and closure.
- Ensure statutory compliance: PF, ESI, PT, LWF, IT-TDS (as applicable), including remittances, returns, and documentation.
- Handle Full & Final settlement, gratuity/bonus (where applicable), arrears, revisions, and exit settlements within TAT.
- Manage payroll reconciliations with Finance (salary control accounts, provisions, bank advice) and audit readiness.
- Maintain employee query resolution (payroll helpdesk), corrections, and controlled re-runs if required.
- Publish payroll MIS reports: headcount, cost center payroll, variance analysis, overtime/allowance reports, statutory summaries.
- Ensure data confidentiality, internal controls, and compliance with company policies and statutory requirements.
Must-Have Skills/Competencies
- Strong hands-on payroll operations experience with good statutory knowledge: PF, ESI, PT, LWF, and Income Tax (TDS).
- Proven experience in HRMS Payroll implementation or major payroll transition (end-to-end lifecycle).
- Strong reconciliation mindset: variance analysis, audit trails, and data accuracy controls.
- Stakeholder management: ability to work with HR, Finance, IT, and vendors.
- Advanced Excel skills; payroll validation and reporting capability.
Good-to-Have (Preferred)
- Prior working experience on Zing HR Payroll (implementation/support/operations).
- Exposure to attendance integration, shift/OT rules, multi-location payroll, and contractor payroll coordination.
- Experience with bank file generation, finance posting, cost center allocations, and payroll provisioning.