Finance Payroll Associate

ABOUT ALU

At the African Leadership University (ALU), we're more than just an institution—we're a catalyst for transformation. Our mission is to develop a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders who will shape Africa's future. Through our innovative curriculum, focus on experiential learning, and vibrant pan-African community, we empower students to become changemakers, problem-solvers, and innovators. At ALU, we're not just teaching; we're nurturing the leaders who will drive Africa's progress and prosperity in the 21st century.

We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities.

HOW WE WORK

The ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.

The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Finance team plays a critical role in enabling ALU’s mission by ensuring strong financial governance, accuracy, and operational efficiency. The team is responsible for payroll administration, financial reporting, compliance, and supporting staff and leadership with timely and reliable financial information. We work closely with the People & Culture team to ensure staff are paid accurately, on time, and in full compliance with local regulations.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Finance Payroll Associate will support the end-to-end payroll and related finance operations for ALU staff across multiple locations. This role ensures accurate payroll processing, statutory compliance, and proper financial record-keeping in line with national regulations and internal policies.

You will be responsible for maintaining payroll data, coordinating payroll inputs with the Human Capital team, managing payroll-related queries, and supporting monthly reporting and reconciliations. The role also involves continuous improvement of payroll and finance processes to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and a positive employee experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support end-to-end monthly payroll processing across ALU entities
• Ensure accurate input, validation, and maintenance of payroll data (new hires, exits, changes, allowances, deductions)
• Do monthly payroll runs and send for Reviews
• Coordinate with People & Culture team on employee lifecycle changes impacting payroll
• Ensure compliance with statutory deductions, taxes, and national regulations
• Prepare monthly payroll workings for the GL accounting
• Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, and supporting documentation
• Respond to payroll-related employee queries in a timely and professional manner
• Assist in monthly and yearly Tax filing
• Support audits and internal controls related to payroll and staff costs
• Assist with continuous improvement of payroll and finance processes
• Support ad hoc finance projects, data analysis, and reporting as required

Ensure the safety and well-being of all young persons and vulnerable adults with whom we deal,  by adhering to ALU’s comprehensive safeguarding policy, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to any violations of safeguarding standards. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strong interest in payroll and finance operations
• Strong knowledge of payroll processing, statutory deductions, and compliance
• Experience with finance systems (e.g., ERP/payroll software such as NetSuite, SAP, QuickBooks, or similar)
• Understanding of tax, social security, and labour regulations (Mauritius/ Rwanda)
• Excellent attention to detail with strong numerical and analytical skills
• Strong administrative and organisational skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work accurately under pressure
• Team player with the ability to work independently and proactively
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism
• Learner mindset with a willingness to grow technical finance skills
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Fluency in English (spoken and written)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related qualifications
• Minimum 1–3 years’ experience in payroll and/or finance operations
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• High attention to detail and confidentiality
• Proficiency in MS Excel and financial systems