Payroll & HR Assistant

ESM is looking for a detail-oriented and organised Payroll & HR Assistant to join our team in Dubai, UAE. This role is responsible for providing accurate and efficient payroll administration while supporting key HR processes throughout the employee lifecycle.

Acting as a link between HR and Finance, the successful candidate will ensure employee records, payroll transactions, benefits administration, statutory obligations, and onboarding activities are managed accurately, compliantly, and in a timely manner, while delivering a high level of service to employees and stakeholders.

Key Objectives

• Process and administer monthly payroll, employee benefits, statutory contributions, and end-of-service settlements, ensuring compliance with company policies and UAE labour legislation.
• Maintain accurate employee records across HR and payroll systems, including updates relating to new joiners, leavers, promotions, salary changes, and contractual amendments.
• Support recruitment and onboarding activities, including candidate screening, documentation collection, employee profile creation, and compliance record management.
• Administer employee compensation and benefits programmes, including accommodation, insurance, pensions, visa-related costs, salary certificates, and payroll deductions.
• Process employee expense claims, support payroll-related payments, and assist with payroll reconciliations, audits, and statutory reporting requirements.
• Provide responsive support to employees and managers on payroll, benefits, and HR administration matters while maintaining strict confidentiality of employee information.
• Collaborate closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure accurate employee data management, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of HR and payroll processes.

Set of Required Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Desired Experience

• 2–4 years of experience in payroll processing, preferably in the UAE or GCC region.
• Strong understanding of UAE labour law, WPS regulations, and end-of-service benefits.
• Experience using HR/payroll software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Sage, or similar).

Job-Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic accounting principles.
• Familiarity with HR processes related to the employee lifecycle, loans, and benefits is an advantage.
• Ability to manage workload and assignments to meet objectives and deadlines.
• Strong time management skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Relationship management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary package
• Annual flight allowance
• Private medical insurance
• End of service benefit
• Access to lifestyle discounts