Payroll Specialist - MENA

To manage and coordinate end-to-end payroll operations for MENA entities, ensuring compliance with regulations and country-specific labour laws across the region. The role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while maintaining strong governance, controls, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

What we ask

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Finance, Accounting, or related field
  
  
  

Experience

• 3–5 years of payroll experience, with at least 2–3 years handling multi-country MENA payroll.
• Strong experience in UAE payroll within a Free Zone environment.
• Experience working with outsourced payroll vendors.
• Experience in multinational or regional shared services environment preferred.
  
  
  

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law & Free Zone regulations.
• Knowledge of MENA payroll compliance (KSA, Morocco, Egypt, etc.).
• Experience with HRIS systems (SAP, Oracle, Workday, Horizon, etc.).
• Advanced Excel skills (Pivot tables, formulas, payroll reconciliation).
  
  
  

Behavioral Competencies

• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple country deadlines.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced regional environment.
  
  
  

What We Offer

At FrieslandCampina, youll immerse yourself in a unique, globally connected culture, where collaboration with colleagues across all our businesses is part of daily life. Alongside a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, we’re dedicated to your ongoing development, offering abundant opportunities for hands-on learning. Our informal, friendly environment fosters teamwork with passionate professionals who share your drive for excellence. At FrieslandCampina, we empower you with the autonomy and confidence to make a meaningful impact — helping to nourish the world while advancing your career.

Vacancy Description

Regional Payroll Management

• Process and/or oversee monthly payroll for UAE (Free Zone) and assigned MENA countries.
• Coordinate with local payroll vendors/providers across MENA.
• Validate payroll inputs including new joiners, leavers, promotions, salary revisions, commissions, incentives, and unpaid leave.
• Review payroll registers and variance reports before final sign-off.
• Ensure timely and accurate salary disbursement.
• Maintain accurate employee records in HRIS and personnel files
  
  
  

UAE & Free Zone Compliance

• Ensure payroll compliance with UAE Labour Law and relevant Free Zone Authority regulations.
• Support visa processing, medicals, Emirates ID, and labour contracts in coordination with PRO
• Manage file preparation and bank uploads.
• Ensure proper documentation for audits.
• Coordinate on behalf of the company with employee medical insurance providers, including onboarding, renewals, additions, deletions, and claims-related
• Support probation confirmations, contract renewals, and employee transfer
  
  
  

MENA Country Compliance

• Ensure payroll compliance with local labour laws, tax regulations, and social security requirements across MENA.
• Monitor statutory filings and vendor SLA adherence.
• Stay updated on regional legislative changes impacting payroll.
  
  
  

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Act as primary point of contact for regional payroll vendors.
• Manage payroll SLAs, escalations, and service quality reviews.
• Partner with HRBPs, Finance, and Reward to ensure payroll accuracy.
• Provide payroll-related guidance to employees and leadership.
  
  
  

Finance & Reporting

• Reconcile payroll with Finance for GL postings and accruals.
• Manage leave, gratuity, and bonus accruals.
• Prepare regional payroll dashboards and cost reports.
  
  
  

Governance & Controls

• Maintain accurate employee records in HRIS and personnel files.
• Ensure strong internal controls and segregation of duties.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Maintain accurate payroll documentation and data confidentiality.
• Drive continuous improvement and payroll automation initiatives.
  
  
  

Staying true to who you really are, that is your starting point at FrieslandCampina. Because it is precisely by embracing our differences that we can grow together. We want to create a working environment that allows all employees to bring their best and authentic selves. If who we are suits you, but youre not sure if youre the best fit for the role, we still encourage you to apply so we can help you find the role that fits you best.

Team Details

Reporting to Business Partner, dotted line reporting to HR operation lead

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