Head of Payroll Operations – UAE Multi-Entity

Confidential Careers; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Careers in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations across multiple business units and legal entities. You will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing while driving governance and process improvements.

Ideal candidates will have 10 years in payroll, at least 3 in leadership, and deep UAE regulatory knowledge, including WPS and labour law. Strong HRIS/Payroll system experience is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field.
• Professional certifications in payroll, finance or HR are advantageous.
• 10+ years of payroll experience with at least 3 years in leadership/management.
• Experience in large, multi-entity organizations and diversified groups.
• Strong knowledge of UAE payroll regulations, WPS, end-of-service benefits and labour law.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll across multiple units/entities.
• Ensure monthly payroll, final settlements, bonuses, overtime, and deductions are accurate.
• Oversee inputs, validations, calculations, and approvals.
• Ensure compliance with payroll policies and internal controls.
• Manage payroll systems, interfaces, and integrations with HRIS/Finance.
• Drive payroll automation and process improvements.
• Lead payroll system implementations and upgrades as needed.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Rewards and business leaders on payroll matters.
• Prepare payroll reports, dashboards, and MI.

Skills

Payroll leadership

UAE payroll regulations

WPS governance

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

Payroll certifications (advantageous)

Tools

SAP SuccessFactors

SAP Payroll

Oracle HCM

Oracle Payroll

Workday

Job description

Confidential Careers in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations across multiple business units and legal entities. You will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing while driving governance and process improvements.

Ideal candidates will have 10 years in payroll, at least 3 in leadership, and deep UAE regulatory knowledge, including WPS and labour law. Strong HRIS/Payroll system experience is required.