Payroll and Employee Support: Aiza Basera’s People & Culture Journey

Payroll and employee support play an important role in creating a reliable employee experience, where accuracy, communication and trust all matter. At Duncan & Ross, Aiza Basera supports employees across the UAE, KSA and Qatar while navigating different HR practices, policies and payroll requirements.

As Payroll Specialist – People & Culture, Aiza’s journey has developed across HR operations, payroll and employee support. Her experience has shaped an approach that goes beyond getting the numbers right, focusing equally on being responsive, approachable and ensuring employees feel supported.

From Administration to People & Culture

Aiza’s career began across different industries, where roles in administration and coordination helped her build experience working with people. An opportunity at Duncan & Ross later introduced her to People & Culture, opening a new chapter focused on HR operations, payroll and employee support. How did your career journey lead you into People & Culture?

I’ve had the opportunity to work across different industries, including real estate, construction, and auditing, where I developed strong skills in administration, coordination, and working with people. I was later referred by a friend to apply for an opportunity at Duncan & Ross, which led me to the People & Culture field. Since joining, I’ve gained valuable experience in HR operations, payroll, and employee support. It has been a great learning journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue growing with Duncan & Ross.

Learning Across People & Markets Working across the UAE, KSA and Qatar has exposed Aiza to different HR practices and policies. Alongside the technical side of her role, she values the opportunity to continuously learn while connecting with people across the business.

What makes your role in People & Culture most rewarding?

What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to connect and communicate with different people every day. I also really enjoy learning something new along the way, especially when it comes to HR laws and policies. Working with teams across the UAE, KSA, and Qatar has given me a broader understanding of how HR practices can differ across countries. For me, the continuous learning and interaction with people are what make my role interesting and rewarding.

Payroll and Employee Support Beyond the Numbers

For Aiza, payroll and employee support are closely connected. Processing salaries accurately and on time is essential, but the role also means being someone employees can rely on when they have questions or concerns about their pay and employment needs.

How does payroll allow you to support people across the business?

As a Payroll Specialist, my role directly supports employees by ensuring that their salaries, overtime, leave, and other payroll-related matters are processed accurately and on time. I also work closely with different teams to address employee concerns and provide the necessary support when needed. For me, payroll is not just about numbers, it’s also about making sure employees feel supported and can rely on us when it comes to their financial and employment needs.

Accuracy, Patience & Communication Working in payroll has shown Aiza how much attention to detail can affect an employee’s experience. It has also reinforced that accuracy alone is not enough clear communication, patience and responsiveness are equally important when supporting people. What has your experience in payroll taught you about supporting employees effectively?

One lesson that has shaped the way I approach my work is the importance of accuracy, patience, and clear communication. In payroll, even a small error can have a direct impact on an employee, so I’ve learned to always double-check details and handle each concern carefully. It has also taught me that being responsive and approachable is just as important as getting the numbers right. I try to make sure that employees feel heard and supported whenever they reach out to mers right. I try to make sure that employees feel heard and supported whenever they reach out to me.

Aiza’s journey reflects how payroll and employee support extend beyond processes and numbers. Through accuracy, continuous learning and clear communication, her role helps create an experience where employees across different markets can feel supported and confident in the People & Culture team.

As she continues to grow at Duncan & Ross, Aiza remains focused on the part of her role she values most: learning, connecting with people and providing support they can rely on. Discover more about Duncan & Ross and our global expertise.