Payroll & HR Specialist

Al Jazira Club is looking for a skilled Payroll & HR Specialist!

We're seeking a hands on payroll professional who can manage the full payroll cycle, including off cycle payments, for our diverse workforce players, coaching staff, administrative teams, and match day personnel.

The ideal candidate is highly skilled in ERP payroll processing and manual calculations, ensuring accuracy across complex pay structures. In addition to payroll, you will support key HR operations, including onboarding, employee records, recruitment coordination, and day to day HR administration.

You will be the Club's go to specialist for payroll, HR support, data integrity, and management reporting. This role requires precision, initiative, and adaptability in a fast paced environment.

Core Payroll Management

• Process end to end monthly, bi weekly, and weekly payroll for all contract types, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Utilize the Club's ERP system as the primary tool for payroll processing, data management, and reporting.
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in manual payroll calculations to manage complex or off cycle payments, bonuses, terminations, and to validate system generated outputs.
• Manage complex pay structures, including player contracts, coaching stipends, win bonuses, appearance fees, and other performance related payments.
• Liaise and maintain strong working relationships with Abu Dhabi Sports Council for all payroll and ERP related matters.
• Collaborate on system enhancement initiatives, automation improvements, and process efficiencies.
• Ensure accurate data entry and updates in SAP or the HR ERP system.
• Process End of Service Benefit (EOSB) calculations in accordance with Company policies.
• Process off cycle payments including bonuses, adjustments, urgent payouts, and corrections, ensuring accuracy and proper approval workflows.
• Act as the first point of contact for employee queries related to payroll, policies, and benefits.

HR Departmental Support

• Provide comprehensive administrative support across the entire employee lifecycle, including:
• Preparing employment contracts and onboarding documentation for new hires.
• Maintaining accurate and up to date electronic employee records (eFile and ERP system).
• Supporting disciplinary, grievance, and performance management documentation.
• Assisting with the coordination, scheduling, and documentation of training and development programs.

Recruitment Support

• Assist in posting job vacancies and coordinating communication with candidates throughout the recruitment process.
• Schedule interviews and maintain clear communication between candidates and hiring managers.
• Support the preparation of offer letters, contracts, and onboarding packages.
• Ensure all recruitment related documents and approvals are accurately recorded, tracked, and filed.

Reporting & Data Analysis

• Generate standard and ad hoc reports for management, providing key insights into payroll costs, headcount, overtime, and HR metrics.
• Prepare detailed payroll reports for the Finance Department, including month end accruals and reconciliations.
• Support annual and semi annual audits by providing accurate and timely payroll and HR data.
• Analyze payroll and HR trends to identify discrepancies, risks, and opportunities for process enhancement.
• Preparing reports and tracking employee wise cost centres, validating accuracy to ensure correct allocation of expenses, including monitoring and reporting on payroll and benefits savings.

Compliance & Systems

• Ensure full compliance with all relevant policies (ADSC and internal HR policies).
• Remain updated on changes in payroll regulations, labour laws, and relevant legislation.
• Contribute to the maintenance and continuous improvement of the HRIS/ERP system to ensure data accuracy and system reliability.

Qualifications & Skills

• Proven experience as a Payroll Specialist or similar role, with expertise in both ERP systems and manual payroll processing.
• Experience providing broad administrative support within an HR department.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and complex formulas) for data analysis and reporting.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to 100% accuracy.
• Ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Proactive problem solver with a hands on, "can do" attitude.
• Experience within a sports club, entertainment, or other organization with complex contract and bonus structures is a plus
• CIPD qualification or Payroll Qualification (e.g., CIPP) is a plus
• Previous experience with a specific ERP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).