Job Description

Job Summary
The Payroll Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end management and processing of the company's payroll, utilizing Oracle HCM Cloud. This strategic role requires an expert-level understanding of UAE payroll legislation, WPS (Wage Protection System), and the unique complexities of payroll within the contracting industry, including varying project sites, labor camps, and multi-national workforce requirements. The ideal candidate will ensure 100% accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in all payroll operations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Payroll Processing & Management:

• Oversee the complete monthly payroll cycle for a large number of employees (local and expatriate), including basic salary, allowances, overtime, bonuses, incentives, and end-of-service benefits (EOSB/gratuity).
• Manage all payroll inputs: new hires, terminations, leaves (annual, sick, unpaid), loans, advances, and deductions with absolute precision.
• Ensure accurate calculation of overtime and other variable pay elements specific to project-based work and shift patterns.
• Reconcile payroll data prior to and after processing to guarantee accuracy.
• Serve as the Oracle HCM Payroll super-user, configuring and optimizing the system for the company's specific needs.

2. Compliance & Regulatory Adherence:

• Ensure full compliance with all UAE Federal and Emirate-specific labor laws, and social security regulations.
• Manage the mandatory Wage Protection System (WPS) process, ensuring timely and accurate salary file submissions and resolving any rejections.
• Liaise with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE), banks, and other government bodies on all payroll-related matters.
• Stay abreast of all changes in payroll legislation and implement necessary changes to policies and processes.
• Prepare for and manage all internal and external payroll audits.

3. Reporting & Analytics:

• Generate standard and customized reports from Oracle HCM for management, accounting, and project costing.
• Provide detailed payroll analytics, including headcount, payroll costs, overtime trends, and leave utilization to support strategic decision-making.
• Prepare and submit all mandatory government reports.

4. Team Leadership & Vendor Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the payroll team, fostering a culture of accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Manage relationships with external partners, including banks, insurance providers, and government service bureaus.

5. Integration & Process Improvement:

• Work closely with the HR, Finance, and Project Management teams to ensure seamless data flow and alignment.
• Continuously identify, develop, and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of the payroll function.
• Manage the integration between Oracle HCM Payroll and other modules (Time & Labor, Core HR) and the company's finance system.

Qualifications & Skills
Essential:

• Education: Master's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Experience: Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in HR, with at least 3 years specifically in a Payroll Manager role using Oracle HCM Cloud.
• Industry Experience: Must have proven experience working within contracting, construction, or a similar project-based industry in the UAE.
• Technical Knowledge: Expert-level knowledge of UAE labor law, WPS, gratuity calculations, income tax (if applicable), and payroll best practices.
• System Proficiency: Deep, hands-on functional expertise in Oracle HCM Cloud Payroll module is mandatory.
• Language: Fluency in English is essential.

Desired:

• Professional certification (e.g., CIPD, SHRM, CPA) is a significant advantage.
• Knowledge of Arabic is highly beneficial.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Skills Required