The HR Compliance Specialist

Job Title: The HR Compliance Specialist

Location: Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Shift Time: General Shift - 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Malaysia Time

Role Summary

The HR Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring adherence to Malaysian employment legislation, company policies, audit requirements, and regulatory standards across the employee lifecycle. The role supports compliance governance, employee documentation, statutory requirements, internal audits, and risk mitigation to ensure a compliant and efficient HR operation.

Key Responsibilities

HR Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with Malaysian labor laws, employment regulations, and company policies.
• Monitor changes in labor legislation and assess operational impact.
• Support implementation of compliance-related HR initiatives and policy updates.
• Advise stakeholders on HR compliance requirements and best practices.
  
  

Audit & Risk Management

• Conduct periodic audits of employee records and HR processes.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and compliance evidence.
• Identify compliance gaps, risks, and process control weaknesses.
• Support internal and external compliance audits.
  
  

Employee Documentation & Record Management

• Ensure employee files and HR records are maintained accurately and confidentially.
• Monitor document retention and record management requirements.
• Validate mandatory employee documentation and statutory records.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy and confidentiality requirements.
  
  

Background Verification & Employment Compliance

• Oversee employee background verification processes.
• Review verification outcomes and escalate exceptions.
• Ensure compliance with pre-employment screening requirements.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders on compliance activities.
  
  

Policy Governance

• Support development, review, and communication of HR policies and procedures.
• Ensure consistent application of policies across the organization.
• Track policy acknowledgements and compliance obligations.
  
  

Compliance Reporting

• Prepare compliance dashboards, audit reports, and management updates.
• Maintain compliance trackers and action logs.
• Support statutory reporting and governance reviews.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration
• 3 to 5 years of experience in HR Compliance, HR Operations, Employee Lifecycle Management, or Shared Services.
• Strong knowledge of Malaysia Employment Act and labor regulations.
• Experience supporting HR audits and compliance reviews.
• Proficiency in HR systems such as Workday, SuccessFactors, or SAP.
  
  

Key Skills

• HR Compliance & Governance
• Employment Law Knowledge
• Audit Management
• Risk Assessment & Controls
• Policy Management
• Documentation & Record Keeping
• Analytical & Reporting Skills
• Stakeholder Management
• Attention to Detail
• Confidentiality & Integrity
  
  

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a shared services or multinational environment.
• Exposure to compliance audits, statutory requirements, and regulatory reporting.
• Experience supporting regional HR compliance activities across APAC.
  
  

About Cognizant

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we're improving everyday life. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.