Payroll Implementation Manager

Summary

Responsible for overseeing the successful implementation and data migration of payroll systems for Deel’s clients. You will lead and manage the full payroll implementation process, ensuring that clients’ data is accurately transferred, systems are properly configured, and the transition is seamless. You’ll collaborate closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, guiding clients through the setup and migration phases, while offering ongoing support and training.

Responsibilities

• Project Set-up – work with our onboarding team and clients to organize and run kick off meetings, and deliver our implementation. Create, maintain and manage project plans to deliver the successful roll-out of clients.
• Client and Project Management – Support project review calls (internal and external), coordinating and delivering on the project streams. Refer and manage any changes to the scope of work and delivery schedule.
• Payroll Process Requirements – Define and set-up the agreed client payroll processes, establishing all of the payroll and data requirements. Ensure each client payroll calendar is managed timely and effectively.
• Documentation - Maintain detailed project documentation, including project plans, status reports, and process documentation.
• System set-up and parallel payroll process – define, agree and configure all interfaces, reports and systems configurations to successfully deliver the parallel and live payroll for month 1 and 2, if applicable.
• Go-live transition, Sign-off and documentation – Work with the client to sign-off on the project and document all of the client specific needs and processes ensuring validation and confirmation on the project implementation. Responsible for generating reports to analyze, audit, and reconcile payroll data.
• Reports- Mapping of GL reports if required
• Communication – Act as the point of contact for all payroll project matters for the client.
• The role is primarily autonomous and will set priorities and manage the project appropriately. Regular status reporting to senior leadership is required, with this role taking ownership for appropriately escalating issues where necessary. Schedule and attend weekly client calls to report on project status, identifying any risks, actions, issues and dependencies
• Project Management - Lead and manage the end-to-end implementation of a global payroll system, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Client Management - Gather key requirements from clients to facilitate the onboarding process, and guide them through the technical payroll aspects of onboarding in a professional, clear manner.
• Requirements Gathering - Collaborate with HR, Finance, and other stakeholders to gather payroll requirements
• Compliance - Ensure that all payroll processes adhere to local tax and labor laws, keeping up-to-date with any changes.
• Data Migration - Oversee the migration of payroll data from legacy systems to the new global payroll system, ensuring data accuracy and security.
• Testing - Develop and execute a comprehensive testing plan to identify and resolve system issues, ensuring a smooth transition to the new payroll system.
• Change Management - Implement change management strategies to ensure a seamless transition for employees and HR teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in UAE (or multi country) payroll implementation and payroll operations.
• Strong knowledge of multi country payroll processes and compliance across your designated location.
• Experience with payroll systems and software.
• Client-facing project management experience and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).