Payroll & Data Migration Analyst (Contract)

The role

This contract position runs for 12 months and is centered on a payroll data migration workstream tied to a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (F&O) rollout. The role focuses on protecting the accuracy, consistency, and successful transfer of payroll information while partnering with HR, Finance, and external implementation specialists. It calls for strong regional payroll technical knowledge, practical experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365, and a highly precise working style.

Key responsibilities

Payroll data migration and system implementation

• Contribute to the complete migration of payroll records into Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O.
• Review, clean up, and cross-check legacy payroll information before it is moved into the new system.
• Coordinate with HR and Finance to map payroll components correctly, including earnings, deductions, and benefits.
• Support configuration verification, including parallel payroll runs and user acceptance testing.
• Spot and fix data mismatches, missing fields, and migration issues as they arise.

Payroll processing support

• Help run payroll during the transition phase so operations continue without interruption.
• Make sure payroll outputs are accurate, compliant, and issued on schedule.
• Assist with reconciliations between the legacy platform and Dynamics 365 results.

Stakeholder collaboration

• Serve as a main contact point for HR, Finance, IT, and implementation partners.
• Bring payroll process and statutory compliance expertise to the project.
• Assist with training and handover activities for internal teams after go-live.

Compliance and controls

• Ensure payroll information and related processes align with UAE labour law and internal policies.
• Handle employee and payroll data with strict confidentiality.
• Support audit-related requirements linked to payroll migration and system changes.

Experience and technical profile

The ideal candidate brings at least 3 to 5 years of payroll or data migration experience, preferably within a UAE organisation, with broader MENA exposure being valuable. Prior work on payroll system implementations or data migration projects is required, along with hands-on use of Microsoft Dynamics 365, particularly F&O or Finance modules. A strong grasp of payroll structures such as salaries, allowances, commissions, end-of-service benefits, and the payroll effect of leave and absence is important. Advanced Excel capability is also expected, especially for validation, reconciliation, and analysis, and experience with manual payroll or accounting systems is an advantage. Knowledge of payroll practices in the UAE and the wider region is preferred, including exposure to payroll environments in the GCC and surrounding markets such as Bahrain, Oman, KSA, and Egypt. The role also requires a high level of accuracy, analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, comfort managing multiple priorities under pressure, strong communication and stakeholder skills, and a professional approach to confidentiality.

Working relationships

• HR team, including payroll, employee records, and policies.
• Finance team, including general ledger, reconciliations, and cost allocation.
• IT and ERP implementation partners.
• External payroll vendors.

Project impact

This role supports a major transformation initiative on Dynamics 365 F&O and is intended to help deliver accurate payroll migration, reduce disruption to employee pay, and create a solid foundation for future HR and Finance integration.

About the company

More than 42,000 people are employed across over 700 offices worldwide, giving the business broad international reach along with specialist expertise and local market understanding.