Position Overview:

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing end-to-end payroll operations across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. The role serves as the primary liaison between HR, Finance, employees, the U.S. Payroll team, and the third-party payroll support provider, while also supporting the transition to a new integrated payroll system.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Manage the monthly payroll cycle, including main payroll and off-cycle processing.
• Collect, validate, and consolidate payroll inputs, including new hires, terminations, attendance, salary changes, allowances, deductions, and employee data updates.
• Prepare payroll input files and perform payroll calculations, reconciliations, and validations using Excel-based processes.
• Coordinate payroll processing activities with the third-party provider in line with payroll calendars and deadlines.
• Review payroll outputs, investigate discrepancies, and ensure corrections are completed before finalization.
• Act as the primary contact between HR, Finance, employees, the U.S. Payroll team, and the third-party provider.
• Administer payroll-related benefits, including ticket allowances, education allowances, and other employee payments in accordance with company policy.
• Process off-cycle payroll activities, including adjustments, bonuses, commissions, urgent payments, and End-of-Service settlements.
• Prepare payroll journals, WPS payment files, reconciliations, and payroll reports for HR, Finance, management, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain payroll records, support internal and external audits, and identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Support the implementation and rollout of the new payroll system across the Middle East region, including requirements gathering, testing, data validation, issue resolution, and post-go-live stabilization.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 1–2 years of hands-on payroll processing experience, specifically managing Saudi Arabia and/or UAE payroll (multi-country GCC payroll experience preferred).
• Demonstrated managing full payroll cycles including off-cycle runs, End-of-Service (EOS) settlements, and WPS submissions.
• Prior experience working with a third-party payroll provider/outsourced payroll model.
• Experience supporting a payroll system implementation or migration is a plus.