Junior Payroll Administrator

About this opportunity

The Junior Payroll Administrator is responsible for the end-to-end administration, control, verification, and accounting of payroll activities for Boskalis entities in the UAE and associated project operations. The role serves as the key coordinator between HR, Project HR support, Workday, Ramco Payroll Services, Accounts Payable, Management, and employees to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing. Act as the custodian of payroll data integrity, payroll accounting, employee settlements and payroll-related compliance requirements. You will make your mark by ensuring that the payroll of our Abu Dhabi office and other Boskalis companies is processed timely and correctly. Together with the Payroll Administrator, you will be responsible for the payroll of approx.. 400 colleagues, but that will increase in the future. You will also be responsible for the timely processing of payroll (regular and adhoc), maintenance of payroll records, - updating the monthly payroll journal entries in the accounting system (INFOR-LN) post reconciliation of ledgers provided by RAMCO and providing settlement calculation to the employees on time. As a Junior Payroll Administrator, you will work closely with and assist the Payroll Administrator in carrying out the following responsibilities: Payroll Processing & Administration Coordinate and administer the monthly payroll cycle, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing. Review and validate payroll master data from Workday, including new hires, salary changes, promotions, transfers, terminations, allowances, and deductions. Review payroll calculations prepared by the external payroll provider and ensure compliance with payroll calendars and corporate deadlines. Generate and distribute payslips and payroll-related communications through Workday. Time & Attendance Management Monitor and review employee timesheets to ensure completeness, accuracy, and timely approval. Verify payroll-related inputs including hardship allowances, leave accruals, and attendance records. Liaise with Project HR to resolve discrepancies and process payroll adjustments. Payroll Controls & Reconciliation Reconcile payroll outputs against Workday records and approved payroll inputs. Analyze payroll variances and validate payroll registers, payment files, and supporting documentation. Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure audit readiness at all times. Payroll Accounting Prepare and post payroll-related journal entries in Infor LN. Process payroll accruals, reversals, and employee benefit provisions. Perform payroll balance sheet reconciliations and support month-end and year-end closing activities. Employee Settlements Calculate and verify full and final settlements, leave encashment, end-of-service benefits, and employee recoveries. Coordinate settlement payments with HR and Cash & Bank teams. Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable labor regulations. Stakeholder Management Act as a key point of contact for payroll-related matters between HR, Project HR, Workday teams, payroll service providers, Finance, employees, and management. Resolve payroll queries and discrepancies and support payroll reporting requirements. Assist with payroll-related bank and payment investigations as required. Compliance & Continuous Improvement Ensure compliance with UAE Labour Law, company policies, and payroll governance requirements. Support internal and external audits and maintain payroll procedures and process documentation. Identify opportunities to enhance payroll controls, processes, and system automation. Your qualities & qualifications: You can make your mark as a Junior payroll administrator if you have: A bachelor s degree in accounting. At least 3 - 5 years relevant work experience, preferably in a multinational company or project-based organization. Experience processing payroll for large employee populations and multiple entities and jurisdictions. Experience managing outsourced payroll providers. Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal. An organized and analytical way of working. Relevant experience with ERP (Infor) accounting software systems. Preferable experience with Ramco or similar payroll software. Working knowledge of UAE labour laws. Financial accounting principles and month-end close process. Experience in MS Office (excellent Excel skills).