Payroll Specialist, Middle East

About the firm:

Alvarez & Marsal is a leading independent global professional services firm, specializing in providing turnaround management, performance improvement and corporate advisory services. With more than 10,000 professionals based in over 80 locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, our firm excels in problem solving and value creation. Drawing on a strong operational heritage and hands-on-approach, our professionals work closely with organizations and stakeholders to help tackle complex business issues and maximize value.

Role Summary:

Reporting to the EMEA Head of Payroll Operations and working closely with the rest of the Alvarez & Marsal Global payroll team as well as HR, Benefits, Finance and the Business. The successful candidate will play a fundamental role in our fantastic Global Payroll Team as a Payroll Specialist supporting the end to end process of an accurate and timely payroll in Middle East (especially UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Liaise with internal HR partners to collect and organise payroll data before preparing templates for submission to 3rd party providers, ensuring a thorough understanding of data (new hires, leavers, leaves of absence, salary increases, bonuses and transfers). Preparation of employee related information and input into flexi-form and Payroll Providers portal.
2. Ensure accurate processing of Managing Director emoluments, including monthly draw, bonuses, benefits, deferred payments, loans etc.
3. Ensure accurate processing of one-time bonus payments (e.g. Guaranteed bonuses, sign-on bonuses etc.) and annual bonus payments.
4. Ensure adequate approvals are obtained in respect of any manual payment requests and process manual payroll payments as needed.
5. Adhere to payroll cut-off dates and ensure that deadlines with payroll provider and Business Partners are met. Partner closely with stakeholders to ensure all inputs are confirmed, included within agreed KPIs.
6. Review the payroll output reports and payroll provider file before WPS payment file is released to ensure all items have been processed correctly and are in line with expectations. Query and investigate any material monthly variances.
7. Support continuous improvement of payroll processes and contribute to future state decision on new payroll service provider.
8. Liaise with payroll provider to ensure that payroll is processed timely and accurately. Work with payroll provider and internal payroll management to ensure that payroll legislative changes are applied timely.
9. Maintain and ensure accuracy of time-off tracking information for submission to payroll provider (i.e. Vacation days). Keep track of days taken by employee and escalate for any pattern of overused time-off requiring adjustment.
10. Ensure all registrations and deregistration are completed in accordance with country legislation and third parties such as insurance documents to insurance company.
11. Preparation of termination/leaver package.
12. Reconcile and report all DEWS, GPSSA and GOSI (social security deductions), ensuring payments and filings done accurately and on time.
13. Ensure all manual payments are loaded in an accurate and timely manner for Finance to release on HSBC net.
14. Ensure all appropriate FX rates have been updated where translation is required for payment of salaries and bonuses.
15. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Payroll Legislation and internal policies.
16. To be first point of contact on all income tax/social security queries from the tax authorities in liaison with payroll providers.
17. Provide support and handle escalations in a timely manner, managing internal and external stakeholders effectively in the process and in a courteous manner.
18. Participate in discussions with vendors regarding payrolls to ensure proper handling of issues and use of controls to mitigate risk.
19. Assist with team wider initiatives and projects, as needed.

Requirements:

1. Bachelors degree in business administration or equivalent of 7 plus years of experience processing, Middle East countries payroll desired.
2. In depth knowledge of UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia payroll and understanding of relevant employment and payroll legislation.
3. Good communication skills both verbally and written.
4. Ability to work independently, and be part of a remote team.
5. Uses initiative to solve problems and questions the why and the how.
6. Ability to provide excellent customer service, be proactive, flexible, adaptable while problem solving when required.
7. Must be organized and adaptable to crucial time frame and changes.
8. Excellent skills in Excel.
9. Experience working in a fast-paced, growing environment and across time zones would be advantageous.
10. Experience with Workday Human Capital Management system and financial reporting System a plus.
11. Ideally have worked in an outsourced managed payroll environment.
12. Quick learner with willingness and appetite to learn new systems and technology.