SARA WAEL BANAJA
Jeddah
Summary
Strategic HR Operations & Business Partner with extensive experience across HR operations, employee relations, workforce planning, and HR governance within complex organizational environments. Combines strong people operations expertise with a solid foundation in financial controls and budgeting, enabling compliant, data-driven HR decision-making. Proven ability to partner with leadership, manage end-to-end employee lifecycle processes, and deliver structured HR solutions aligned with organizational strategy and institutional objectives.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work history
HR Operations Partner
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Thuwal, Mecca Region
2023.11 - Current
- Partner with leadership on workforce planning, HR operations, and employee relations within complex organizational environments.
- Oversee end-to-end employee lifecycle activities, ensuring governance, compliance, and operational excellence.
- Lead employee promotions and salary adjustment processes, ensuring alignment with compensation frameworks and governance standards.
- Oversee employee financial benefits and allowances, ensuring policy compliance, accuracy, and timely execution.
- Manage end-to-end employee final settlements and end-of-service processes in line with labor laws and organizational requirements.
- Contribute to the development and execution of strategic initiatives aligned with institutional objectives and values.
Employee Relation Advisor (Development Assignment)
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Thuwal, Mecca Region
2023.04 - 2023.10
- Led and supported employee relations matters, including disciplinary actions and redundancies, ensuring fair, consistent, and policy-aligned outcomes.
- Handled and investigated embezzlement and financial misconduct cases as a primary focus, ensuring timely, thorough, and compliant case resolution.
- Conducted sensitive investigations into fraud and misconduct within defined timelines, maintaining high standards of accuracy and confidentiality.
- Maintained comprehensive case documentation and updated case management systems to ensure clear tracking and audit readiness.
- Communicated and enforced HR policies and procedures, strengthening workforce compliance and risk awareness.
- Provided clear guidance to employees and applicants on HR policies, procedures, and benefits.
- Recommended procedural and control enhancements to management to mitigate future fraud and compliance risks.
Staffing Advisor (Developmental Assignment)
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Thuwal, Mecca Region
2022.09 - 2023.03
- Supported end-to-end recruitment and staffing activities, from role advertising through candidate selection and job offer issuance, ensuring timely and compliant hiring outcomes.
- Partnered with hiring stakeholders to align on role requirements, compensation, and hiring priorities.
- Managed candidate communications throughout the recruitment process, including interview coordination, feedback, and offer discussions.
- Built and maintained positive candidate relationships through professional engagement and clear communication.
Accounting Analyst
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Thuwal, Mecca Region
2021.10 - 2023.08
- Managed and monitored departmental budgets, ensuring accurate tracking of expenditures against approved allocations.
- Prepared budget records and validated financial data related to departmental spending, commitments, and adjustments.
- Supported departments in budget planning, utilization, and cost control in line with organizational guidelines.
- Maintained accurate financial documentation to support reporting, reconciliation, and audit requirements.
- Contributed to the implementation of a new accounting system by supporting data integrity, process alignment, and smooth transition.
- Developed budget-related procedures and templates to streamline workflows and improve financial visibility.
Senior accounting assistant
University of Sharjah
UAE, Sharjah
2019.03 - 2020.04
- Led end-to-end processing and journaling of student payment transactions, ensuring accurate posting to the general ledger in line with university accounting standards and internal controls.
- Oversaw student tuition and fee collections, including structuring and monitoring approved installment payment plans in accordance with institutional policies.
- Reviewed, validated, and reconciled student payment records, resolving discrepancies and ensuring completeness and accuracy of financial data.
- Served as a key reference for complex student account transactions, providing guidance on accounting treatment, payment structuring, and compliance requirements.
- Collaborated with finance, audit, and academic stakeholders to support reporting, audits, and continuous improvement of student finance processes.
Accountant assistant
University ofSharjah
UAE, Sharjah
2018.03 - 2019.02
- Supported daily processing of student tuition and fee payments, ensuring accurate recording and documentation.
- Monitored student accounts receivable and maintained up-to-date records of outstanding balances.
- Assisted with reconciliation of student payment entries and identification of discrepancies.
- Prepared supporting financial documentation for management reporting and audit purposes.
- Participated in monthly, quarterly, and annual audits by ensuring data accuracy and documentation readiness.
Education
Masters degree - Business administration
University of Sharjah
UAE2020
Bachelor degree - Business administration, Accounting, Marketing
University of Sharjah
UAE2018
Skills
- HR Operations
- HR Business Partnering
- Employee Relations
- Workforce Planning
- HR Governance
- HR Compliance
- Employee Lifecycle Management
- Policy Implementation
- Stakeholder Management
- Benefits Administration
- Budget Management
Languages
English
Fluent
Arabic
Native
Timeline
HR Operations Partner
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
2023.11 - Current
Employee Relation Advisor (Development Assignment)
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
2023.04 - 2023.10
Staffing Advisor (Developmental Assignment)
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
2022.09 - 2023.03
Accounting Analyst
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
2021.10 - 2023.08
Senior accounting assistant
University of Sharjah
2019.03 - 2020.04
Accountant assistant
University ofSharjah
2018.03 - 2019.02
Masters degree - Business administration
University of Sharjah
Bachelor degree - Business administration, Accounting, Marketing
University of Sharjah