New HR Manager Confused: Who Should Sign Offer Letters, Directors or Me?

Hello Seniors,

I have joined a company as an HR manager. Please let me know who is the authorized person to sign the offer letter: Directors or HR Manager? My management has asked me to sign the offer and appointment letters. Can I do that? Is there any Authorization Letter required for doing the same, and if so, please help me with the format.

Thanks

It depends on your company policies. If your company permits it, you can sign. Company policies vary from one company to another, so there is no universal rule governing whether an HR manager can sign documents or not. 

Thank you for your response. Here, the situation is that my management is asking me to sign. In this scenario, I just wanted to know if the company should provide any written document for the authorization to me, and if so, what should be the format.

Please reply.

Thank you,

Sangeeta

Hi,

I too had a similar situation a month back when I joined my current organization. What I did, considering that I am the only HR manager here, was insisted that the Director sign my appointment letter. You can also get a letter signed from the Director to say that you are given full authority to sign any documents relating to the HR department if you want.

Regards,
Anu

Also, you can refer to the delegation of powers or best practices for having dual signatories on offer letters or any appointment letters. It is recommended that both you and the director sign these documents; this is the best approach.

Your doubt is correct. The authorization letter is a must for future problems. The management should give an authorization letter to you to sign the offer and appointment letter. In case any issues arise, this will help you in the future.

Regards,
flyingstarter

You need to get the "power of attorney" from the management or the principal employer for the same, and a copy of that is to be submitted to the labor officer as well.

Dear Sangeeta,

Every company has management guidelines in the format of "Schedule of Power" (SOP). As per this SOP, management assigns power to its executives. In your case, obtain a copy of the SOP of the organization. Check to see whether the HR manager is an authorized signatory for offer letters. If not, then find out who the authorized signatory is and ask for a Power of Attorney.

In this Power of Attorney letter, it will be mentioned that the HR manager will be authorized to sign offer letters on behalf of the authorized person as stated in the SOP. This letter will be signed by the authorized person, yourself (for accepting), and the HR Head. It will be helpful in your audit as well.

I hope this clears your doubt.

Thanks & Regards,
Anupam Anurag.