Payroll Specialist

Role Overview

We are looking for a meticulous and skilled Payroll Specialist to oversee the comprehensive payroll process, ensuring employees are paid accurately and punctually while adhering to UAE Labour Law, WPS standards, and company regulations.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage the monthly payroll cycle end-to-end, guaranteeing precise and timely payroll processing.
• Audit attendance records, timesheets, overtime, allowances, incentives, bonuses, leaves (including unpaid), and any payroll deductions.
• Compile, verify, and submit WPS Salary Information Files (SIF) in compliance with MOHRE guidelines.
• Perform reconciliations of payroll reports against salary sheets, employee data, attendance logs, WPS files, and general ledger accounts.
• Compute employee benefits such as leave salary, end-of-service benefits, gratuity, and final settlements following UAE Labour Law and company policies.
• Maintain accurate payroll provisions and schedules related to leave salaries, gratuities, bonuses, and other employee benefits.
• Prepare journal entries for payroll and collaborate with the Finance Manager for proper posting to GL accounts, cost centers, projects, and divisions.
• Carry out monthly reconciliations of payroll expenses along with related payable and provision accounts.
• Liaise with HR, Finance, Operations, and project teams to resolve discrepancies in attendance, employee master data, and payroll.
• Ensure confidentiality while maintaining payroll records, employee files, and supporting documents.
• Assist internal and external audits by supplying payroll data, reconciliations, and necessary reports.
• Generate monthly payroll reports and management summaries including detailed employee cost analysis, overtime, deductions, and payroll variances.
• Confirm that all payroll modifications are supported and approved before processing.
• Contribute to improving payroll controls, automating procedures, and enhancing ERP-based payroll reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Human Resources, or relevant disciplines.
• At least 3 to 4 years of hands-on payroll experience within the UAE is essential.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE Labour Law, WPS, MOHRE standards, and expertise in calculating leave salary, gratuity, and end-of-service benefits.
• Experience managing payroll for both staff and labor categories is a strong advantage.
• Background in construction, MEP, contracting, or project-driven environments is preferred.
• Strong grasp of payroll accounting concepts including GL reconciliations, provisions, accruals, and cost allocation.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel including payroll reconciliations.
• Proficiency with payroll or ERP systems required; familiarity with ePromis is a plus.
• High accuracy, confidentiality, integrity, and exceptional attention to detail.
• Capability to meet strict payroll deadlines and perform well under pressure.
• Excellent analysis, communication, and coordination skills.