Senior Specialist - Payroll & Engagement

Role summary

The Senior Specialist for Payroll & Engagement is expected to run payroll operations with precision and timeliness while also supporting initiatives that improve employee engagement and strengthen the workplace culture. This position ensures adherence to UAE labour regulations and WPS requirements, oversees payroll activities across multiple Group entities, and works closely with HR leadership to deliver engagement programs aligned with the organisation’s values and people agenda.

Payroll management

• Handle the full monthly payroll process for all Group entities, making sure salaries, allowances, overtime, bonuses, and final dues are processed correctly, on time, and in compliance with policy.
• Maintain compliance with the UAE Wages Protection System, labour law, and internal HR policies, including timely SIF submission and coordination with banks.
• Review and process payroll inputs such as new hires, exits, salary changes, promotions, leave encashments, deductions, and reimbursements in coordination with HR Operations and HR Business Partners.
• Calculate end-of-service benefits, gratuity, and final settlements in line with UAE labour law and Group policy.
• Work with the Finance team on payroll accruals, journal entries, and reconciliations, ensuring reports are accurate and ready for audit.
• Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve them promptly, accurately, and professionally.

Compliance, controls, and audit

• Ensure payroll activities follow internal controls, SOX standards where relevant, and audit requirements, with complete and traceable records.
• Assist internal and external audits by sharing accurate payroll records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Keep current with UAE labour law, payroll taxation considerations including UAE Corporate Tax implications where relevant, social security rules such as GPSSA and ADRPBF for UAE nationals, and pension contribution requirements.
• Regularly assess payroll controls and suggest improvements that reduce risk and strengthen governance.

Employee engagement

• Support the planning and execution of the Group’s engagement strategy and yearly calendar, including surveys, recognition initiatives, town halls, wellness activities, and cultural events.
• Coordinate the annual engagement survey, review the findings, and help build action plans with HR Business Partners and business leaders.
• Drive recognition programs such as long-service awards, spot awards, and performance-based rewards, ensuring they are delivered consistently across the Group.
• Organise Group-wide activities such as National Day events, Ramadan programs, family days, and CSR initiatives, keeping them aligned with the company’s culture and values.
• Work with internal communications teams to create employee messages that reinforce engagement, recognition, culture, and the employee value proposition.

HRIS, reporting, and analytics

• Maintain payroll and employee records accurately in the HRIS platform, such as SuccessFactors, Oracle, SAP, or a similar system.
• Prepare payroll, cost, and engagement reports and dashboards for leadership, including manpower cost analysis, overtime patterns, and engagement KPIs.
• Support budgeting, workforce cost analysis, and headcount reporting with Finance and HR Business Partners.
• Identify opportunities to automate and improve payroll and engagement processes.

Stakeholder collaboration

• Work closely with Finance, HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, and Learning & Development to support the employee journey from onboarding through offboarding.
• Coordinate with external parties such as banks, payroll providers, insurers, GPSSA, and government bodies when needed.
• Act as a reliable advisor to employees and managers on payroll, benefits, and engagement topics to help ensure a positive employee experience.

Emiratization and people priorities

• Track and report payroll obligations linked to Emiratization, including GPSSA contributions and Nafis-related entitlements.
• Support engagement activities that improve the retention and experience of UAE national employees across the Group.

Qualifications and experience

The role calls for a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, along with 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in payroll, HR operations, and/or employee engagement. Experience in a group or multi-entity environment within the UAE or GCC is preferred. Professional credentials such as CIPD, SHRM-CP/SCP, Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), or an equivalent HR/payroll certification will be considered an advantage.