Payroll Manager

Al Tayer Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conglomerate in the UAE is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead the payroll function for Group and Joint Venture companies. The role involves ensuring accurate payroll processing, driving automation, and managing compliance with payroll regulations. Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience in payroll management within a large organization and possess strong skills in HRIS systems. This role offers a dynamic work environment and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years payroll team management experience in a large, multi-entity organization.
• Proven experience in payroll system implementation, testing, automation and improvement methodologies.
• In-depth knowledge of GCC payroll regulations, compliance, and statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evolve the payroll function for Group and Joint Venture companies.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of monthly payroll.
• Drive automation of payroll systems and processes.
• Develop and execute a strategic roadmap for payroll transformation.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in payroll and HRIS systems

Excellent Excel and data analysis skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities

Education

Graduate degree in IT, Economics or HR

Payroll certification (e.g., CPP, CPM)

Tools

Oracle Fusion

SAP

RPA

Job description

Job Purpose

Lead and evolve the payroll function for Group and Joint Venture companies, ensuring not only the accurate and timely processing of monthly payroll, but also the continuous improvement and automation of payroll systems and processes. Drive the adoption of advanced technologies and automation tools to minimize manual interventions, enhance data integrity, and future-proof payroll operations.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic roadmap for payroll transformation, aligning payroll operations with organizational digitalization and automation objectives.
• Analyze payroll data and trends to provide actionable insights to senior leadership, supporting workforce planning, cost optimization, and strategic decision-making.

Functional Roles and Responsibilities

• Organize, plan and effectively manage the payroll function to ensure accurate and timely processing of monthly salaries and associated payment transactions.
• Oversee system testing, validation, and implementation of payroll software and related HRIS modules, ensuring robust controls and data accuracy.
• Lead automation initiatives to streamline payroll processes, reduce manual checks, and improve operational efficiency.
• Proactively identify and drive process improvement opportunities, collaborating with HRIS and Governance Teams to implement best practices and innovative solutions.
• Act as a subject matter expert in payroll technology, contributing to the selection, deployment, and optimization of AI agents and cutting-edge tools.
• Ensure accurate record keeping concerning payroll, leave, benefit administration, and employee information.
• Ensure timely remittance of Pension Fund and GOSI payments through effective coordination with HRSS and Finance.
• Update respective finance managers of each company with monthly provision & reconciliation reports.
• Ensure all local and regional regulations and Group policies are applied within payroll configuration.
• Comply with and safeguard group policies, processes, and SOA’s, escalating exceptions to HR Governance Team.
• Ensure all Group and Joint Venture Companies payroll queries are resolved in a timely manner.
• Provide necessary reports on Group payroll and employee compensation data to the Ministry of Labor as required.

People Management Roles and Responsibilities

• Knowledge & skill transfer to other team members to ensure their growth & development.
• Provide leadership and direction to subordinates towards the achievement of goals and objectives.
• Guide and motivate subordinates to enhance performance and produce creative thinking/ innovative ideas, and ensure that they are continuously developed for higher level roles.

Job Requirements Education/Certification

• Graduate degree in IT, Economics or HR.
• Payroll certification (e.g., CPP, CPM) is an advantage.

Experience

• At least 7 years payroll team management experience in a large, multi-entity organization spanning GCC countries.
• Proven experience in payroll system implementation, testing, automation and improvement methodologies.
• Working experience with Oracle Fusion. Languages English and Arabic is a plus.

Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced proficiency in payroll and HRIS systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Strong understanding of system testing, validation, and data integrity controls.
• Experience with automation tools (e.g., RPA, AI agents) and process mapping.
• Excellent Excel and data analysis skills.
• In-depth knowledge of GCC payroll regulations, compliance, and statutory requirements.
• Familiarity with pension, GOSI, and other statutory payments.
• Strong understanding of data privacy and security best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to lead change and drive innovation in payroll operations.