Department: Human Resources (HR)
Duty station: Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Deadline: 18 September 2020

Summary of Position and Key Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities of the individual in this role are processing and timely delivery of assigned payrolls. The Payroll Specialist uses an understanding of the University’s in-house payroll system to accurately pay employees in compliance with KG, KZ, TJ laws and regulations. The Payroll Specialist provides proper tax treatment, accounting, and disposition of withholdings such as taxes, deductions for benefits, charitable contributions, retirement contributions, other savings, etc. The Payroll Specialist exercises independent judgment and discretion in planning and carrying out the details of work procedures and methods. A payroll specialist is primarily responsible for processing payroll and maintaining the employee database regarding salary and pay. Receiving approval from line manager for payments when needed. Support the HR team with Tax and other payment related issues.

The job will require a highly qualified professional with payroll process expertise in Central Asian countries.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts processing the assigned part of the payroll for UCA employees and contractors accurately and timely.
• Contributes to proper payment of wages and salaries by using the in-house payroll system. 
• Proceeds taxation of employee fringe benefits and application of appropriate withholding and reporting procedures. Ensures accurate taxation and garnishment is applied to each account.
• Reviews payroll reports and timesheets for correctness before payroll transactions. Participates in end-of-month closing and audits. Maintains payroll system up-to-date and accurate.
• Ensures that employee payroll processing is competitive and in compliance with legal requirements (KG, KZ, TJ) Accurately records and documents all transactions, as directed. Remains in compliance with all legal and institutional requirements at all times.
• Reviews Personnel Action Forms (personnel administration) to verify correct data entry while not interfering to make corrections and edits of the data already uploaded. 
• Prepares required and assigned reports by compiling, researching, and analyzing data and performing monthly and annual reconciliations. Analyzes payroll issues and recommends corrective actions.
• Administers and maintains employee insurance plans and controls timely reporting, reimbursement and other insurance related issues proceeding.
• Coordinates with Payroll colleagues the proper benefit and deduction set-up, verifies and processes unused vacation and sick leave payouts as well as other salary related payouts.
• Contributes to the overall success of the Payroll Unit by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned, acting as a back-up for other positions as needed, maintaining high levels of accuracy, maintaining a professional demeanour and appropriate levels of confidentiality, and providing excellent customer service. Communicates with the Payroll Unit members to make necessary changes/updates to accounts.
• Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
• Helps in conducting regular analysis of compensation and benefits within the company to ensure appropriate compensation across all departments.
• Assists in preparing occupational classifications, job descriptions, and salary scale. 
• Monitors Payroll to ensure compliance and data integrity; provide regular analysis on payroll and budgeting. 
• Demonstrates respect for client privacy.
• Responds to payroll queries from employees in a timely manner.
• Proceeds other payment related issues (invoices, etc.).
• Executes other job related duties as instructed by line manager.

Required Qualifications and Experience 

• A minimum of three years’ experience that demonstrates success in the fields of the payroll area, in accounting/finance (Payroll Taxation, entering invoice) or with HR compensation domain.
• Experience with multicultural organizations, preferably in a university context. Experience of working with multi-national personnel would be an asset. Experience in Central Asia is highly required.
• BSc in Accounting, Finance, Mathematics or relevant field.
• Excellent MS Office skills (MS Excel at advanced level).
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Self-management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and tough deadlines.
• Solid working knowledge of tax code for Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.
• Mathematical skills:  must have solid working knowledge of math and statistics for calculating compensation.
• Communication skills: must be able to effectively advise about a company's pay system and address any concerns that come from executives and employees.
• Analytical skills: must be able to collect, weigh, and analyze data on many factors to determine the best compensation plan for a company.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies at the local, regional and international level.
• Making informed decisions based on data and statistics.

Languages:

• Advanced proficiency in spoken and written English and Russian;
• Knowledge of other Central Asian languages (Kyrgyz, Tajik, Kazakh) would be a bonus.

Candidates from the founding countries of UCA: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan are encouraged to apply for the position.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, CV and contact information for three references to hr.recruitment@ucentralasia.org by September 18, 2020. Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged. As your application e-mail subject, please write: “Payroll Specialist, Compensation and Benefits”.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.