Job Title: The HR Compliance Specialist
Location: Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Work Mode: 4 Days Office schedule, 1-day WFH
Shift Time: General Shift - 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Malysia 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.
#LI-CTSAPAC
About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.
