Payroll Specialist

International University of Science & Technology in Kuwait

Position Summary:

The primary role of the Payroll Specialist to assist in ensuring that all processes, policies, procedures, and standards for the management of payroll and benefits administration, are properly implemented.

Reporting to the Head of Human Resources, you will work closely with other HR team members and the various University teams to deliver efficient people practices.

Responsibilities:

Payroll and Salary Administration:

• Support in the planning, development and implementation of the HR strategy with specific accountability for payroll administration and salary processing.
• Control and maintain a wide variety of payroll information (such as attendance, leave, social security, government support, salary, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of documentation and compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Process salary and benefits entitlements and ensure authorization of monthly payroll as per established policies and procedures.
• Manage and maintain all payroll related HR documentation, reports, approvals, staff records and policies through HRIS system by following established processes and procedures.
• Coordinate between the human resources, finance, and government relations to ensure proper flow, maintenance and security of payroll data.
• Handle the filing of personnel documents such as pay slips, payroll supporting documents, salary certificates etc.)
• Maintain contact with banks to assist new employees to open accounts and secures staff bank account information for salary and other payroll-related use.

Benefits Administration:

• Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, annual tickets, end of service plans, and others.
• Manage Social Security for Kuwaiti staff and ensure that all Kuwaiti staff are appropriately registered and covered as per Social Security regulations. Also ensures they are delisted upon separation.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee inquiries related to benefits and compensation.
• Process per diem payment for business trips, process expense forms, and coordinate mobilization tickets for new employees.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with local regulations related to compensation and benefits.
• Prepare and analyze reports related to compensation, benefits, and workforce metrics.
• Generate standard monthly reports, ad hoc analysis and other relevant information and trends to support the decision-making process.
• Assist with audits and ensure accurate record-keeping.

Employee Support:

• Provide guidance to employees on compensation and benefits policies and procedures.
• Address and resolve employee concerns related to compensation and benefits.
• Facilitate training and communication regarding compensation and benefits programs.
• Resolve queries and provide support where required on employee loans, salaries, indemnities, allowances, leave deductions and dues, etc.

Education

o Minimum Bachelor s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.

o Professional certificates such as PHRi, CIPD, or SHRM is a must.

Experience

o 7-8 years of experience in HR with a focus on payroll and benefits, with 3-5 years of in a supervisory role, preferably in an educational institution or a similar setting.

Technical Skills

o Strong knowledge of payroll and benefits (principles, best practices, and regulations).

o Proficiency in HR software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

o Social Security laws, regulations, procedures, and benefits administration

o Knowledge of Kuwaiti labor laws and regulations.

o Good English and Arabic language (written and spoken)

Behavioral Skills

o Accountability & Ownership

o Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

o Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

o Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.