Payroll Manager

JOB OBJECTIVE: To lead and manage the payroll function across the organization by ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll for fulltime employees and outsourced staff. The role ensures full compliance with internal policies, relevant labor laws, and applicable government regulations, while maintaining confidentiality, system accuracy, and audit readiness.KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: Payroll Processing Manage the end-to-end monthly payroll processing cycle for all full-time employees (FTEs) across the organization, ensuring accuracy of pay elements, earnings, deductions, and statutory contributions.Validate payroll inputs received from HR Operations (new joiners, promotions, transfers, terminations, etc.) in accordance with policies.Ensure payroll approvals and salary disbursements are executed on time, through coordination with Finance and IT functions.Conduct payroll reconciliations against payroll registers, general ledger entries, and prior period variances.Ensure compliance with Wage Protection System (WPS) requirements, and timely transfer of salaries via approved banking channels.Outsourced Workforce Payouts Manage the payroll coordination for outsourced staff in alignment with contract terms and assignment rosters. Verify monthly headcount files and approved timesheets submitted by outsourcing partners. Reconcile outsourced invoices against agreed rates, hours/days worked, and validate for final payout. Coordinate with Finance to release vendor payments and maintain audit documentation.Monitor compliance by outsourcing partners on timely submissions, invoicing accuracy, and WPS adherence. Compliance & Reporting Ensure payroll operations are executed in compliance with UAE labor laws, pension laws (Abu Dhabi/Dubai), and internal policies.Prepare monthly and quarterly payroll reports including headcount summaries, variance analysis, GOSI/pension contributions, and EOSB accruals.Support Finance and Internal Audit during payroll audits, reconciliations, and year-end closings.Payroll System Oversight Supervise the use and configuration of the payroll module in the designated platform. Conduct periodic data integrity audits and payroll simulation runs to validate system performance. Liaise with IT and HRIS to implement enhancements, resolve system issues, or integrate new pay elements. Train team members and HR staff on payroll transaction protocols and system inputs. Employee Queries & Support Act as the escalation point for payroll-related queries from employees, HR Business Partners, or line managers.Resolve inquiries related to salary discrepancies, deductions, pension, and EOSB in a timely and professional manner.Maintain service logs and ensure query resolution in line with internal SLAs.Governance & Documentation Maintain up-to-date standard operating procedures (SOPs), process maps, and internal checklists for payroll processing. Ensure full documentation of salary adjustments, off-cycle payments, final settlements, and employee payout changes. Track all approvals and payroll changes to support internal and external audit reviews. JOB REQUIREMENTS: Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or Human Resources. Professional certification in Payroll (e.g., CIPP, FPC/CPP) is preferred. Minimum Experience: 7-8 years of relevant experience in payroll, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.Experience in handling both FTE and outsourced payroll preferred.