Payroll Executive

Purpose

Owns end-to-end payroll processing for a 1,000+ employee workforce, ensuring accurate, compliant, and on-time salary disbursement through WPS, while supporting core accounting functions. Payroll accuracy at this scale directly affects employee trust, statutory compliance, and audit readiness.

Scope

• Payroll processing — monthly payroll cycle, salary calculations, deductions, overtime, leave, and end-of-service settlements for 1,000+ employees
• WPS compliance — timely and accurate WPS file generation and submission per UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) requirements
• Accounts support — journal entries, payroll-related reconciliations, accruals, and coordination with the finance/accounts team
• Statutory compliance — gratuity, leave salary, visa-linked payments, and other UAE labor law payroll obligations
• Employee query resolution — payslips, discrepancies, and payroll-related support across the workforce
• Reporting — payroll reports, cost center allocations, and variance analysis for management

Key Responsibilities

1. Process full payroll cycle accurately and on time for 1,000+ employees every month
2. Generate and submit WPS files correctly, resolving any rejections or discrepancies promptly
3. Maintain payroll accuracy across new joiners, leavers, transfers, and salary changes
4. Calculate and process end-of-service benefits, gratuity, and final settlements per UAE labor law
5. Reconcile payroll accounts and support month-end/year-end closing with the accounts team
6. Handle payroll-related accounting entries — accruals, provisions, and cost allocations
7. Resolve employee payroll queries and discrepancies promptly and professionally
8. Maintain payroll records, documentation, and audit trails for compliance and audit readiness
9. Stay current on UAE labor law and WPS regulatory changes, updating processes accordingly

Requirements

Essential

• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience, with direct hands-on processing for 1,000+ employees
• Strong working knowledge of WPS (Wages Protection System) — file generation, submission, and issue resolution
• Solid accounting/accounts background — journal entries, reconciliations, month-end support
• Working knowledge of UAE labor law as it relates to payroll (gratuity, leave salary, end-of-service)
• Currently based in the UAE
• Available to join within one month
• Proficiency with payroll/HRMS software and Excel

Desirable

• Experience with a specific payroll or ERP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Bayzat, ZohoPeople, or similar)
• Multi-entity or multi-nationality payroll experience