Efficient Payroll Transformation for a Leading Pharmaceutical Company in the Middle East

Overview

A global healthcare and research organization partnered with Nathan & Nathan to simplify payroll, ensure compliance, and free up HR resources.

Key Metrics

• 90% reduction in monthly payroll processing time
• 86 employees' pay processed on schedule, every time

Industry & Location

Global healthcare and pharmaceuticals

Company Size

86 employees

Payroll Services Used

• Data maintenance
• Overtime and commission calculations
• Leave and accrual management
• EOSB calculations
• Pension enrollment
• Custom reporting

Duration of Partnership

Service initiated July 2020

Solution Components

• In-house payroll software
• Dedicated payroll specialists

The Challenge

The client, a pioneer in oncology research and treatment, needed a reliable payroll partner to ensure that employees in the UAE received accurate, compliant, and timely compensation. They faced multiple challenges:

• Complex payroll variables: Overtime, bonuses, incentives, commissions, and recoveries all had to be calculated accurately each month
• Manual processes: Internal payroll workflows were time-consuming and prone to delays or errors
• Compliance pressure: UAE labor laws, pension regulations, and end-of-service benefit (EOSB) calculations required specialist knowledge
• Operational burden: Payroll processing consumed HR bandwidth, detracting from strategic initiatives and core mission

The Solution

Implementation Summary

Nathan & Nathan began by conducting a functional consultation to map the client's existing payroll activities, collect employee data, document company policies, and design an outsourced workflow.

Both parties signed a process document clarifying roles, approval authorities, and responsibilities. A parallel run of the payroll validated the workflow, and full transition occurred in the second month after contract signature.

Key Features

• Automated Calculations: Payroll data, overtime, bonuses, incentives, commissions, and recoveries were calculated automatically using our Payroll Software
• Compliance Automation: EOSB, pension enrollment, and tax-free salary components were processed accurately with real-time adherence to UAE labor regulations
• Self-Service Tools: Customizable pay slips and salary transfer letters were generated through the in-house software; finance teams could add or update pay items, create recurring additions or deductions, and generate bank files
• Accrual & Reporting: Employee accruals were maintained automatically, and management/finance reports were prepared without manual effort
• Dedicated Support: Offsite payroll specialists handled day-to-day processing, while consultants ensured continuous alignment with company policies

Results & Impact

Quantitative Outcomes

• Processing efficiency: Payroll run time dropped from multiple days to a few hours, with an estimated 90% reduction in manual effort
• Accuracy: No compliance errors recorded during the partnership, ensuring employees were paid correctly and on time
• Cost Control: Streamlined workflows eliminated the need for additional payroll headcount and reduced administrative costs

Qualitative Benefits

• Employee trust: Timely and accurate salary payments increased staff satisfaction and confidence in the HR function
• Strategic HR focus: Freed from repetitive payroll tasks, the HR team redirected time to talent development and employee engagement initiatives
• Transparent reporting: Finance and management gained access to clear, customized payroll reports and metrics for better decision-making

Future Plans

The company's contract, renewable after two years, allows for expansion to additional HR modules or integration of performance management features as their workforce grows.

Conclusion

By partnering with Nathan & Nathan, this healthcare leader transformed its payroll operations from a manual, risk-laden process into a streamlined, automated function. The collaboration delivered speed, accuracy, and transparency while ensuring full compliance with UAE regulations. Freed from administrative burdens, the organization has been able to concentrate on what it does best: pioneering life-changing treatments and supporting its staff.