Payroll Analyst

Job Description

Job Objective

Coordinate with the regional payroll provider (ADP) the monthly payroll processes for Costa Rica, ensuring that payroll occurrences are applied in a timely manner and that salaries are paid accurately and on time, in alignment with established policies, procedures, and local regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Coordinate with different departments to ensure timely delivery of information impacting the monthly payroll process.
• Download and manage payroll-impacting occurrences from the Human Resources management system (Workday).
• Validate the accuracy and timeliness of data registered in the HR system.
• Send monthly payroll updates to ADP in the required formats.
• Maintain ongoing communication with the payroll provider to ensure accuracy and timely payments.
• Ensure payroll processes comply with local legal and labor regulations.
• Guarantee accuracy in payroll execution aligned with labor law and social security requirements.
• Support audit requirements related to payroll.
• Prepare and submit required reports and sworn statements to government institutions (Ministry of Labor, Social Security, Revenue Service).
• Maintain regular communication with management regarding process impacts.
• Respond to employee inquiries and support requests (certifications, vacations, payslips) through service tools.
• Follow up on payments for expatriates/impatriates and provide information requested by Finance and external auditors (E&Y).
• Coordinate with vendors to manage payroll-related accounting closures and employee tax payments.
• Ensure timely updates of labor reforms in the payroll system.
• Coordinate accurate calculations for settlements and terminations with the provider.
• Prepare annual income tax returns.
• Manage administrative activities related to the payroll area.

Internal & External Relationships

• Internal: Finance, Treasury, Human Resources, Procurement, and other departments.
• External: Payroll provider (ADP), suppliers, benefit providers (e.g., vouchers, insurance), consultants, and auditors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related fields.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in similar roles.

Technical Knowledge

• Accounting and administrative knowledge.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• SAP knowledge (preferred).
• English: Intermediate level
• Spanish: Fluent
• Desirable: Experience with Workday and ADP

Skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proactive mindset
• Team player and service-oriented

Required Skills

Adaptability, Adaptability, Benefits Administration, Channel Optimization, Customer Technical Support, Data Quality Management, HR Analytics, HR Systems Implementation, Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), Human Resources (HR) Technology, Human Resource Tools, Insurance, Labor and Employment Law, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Payroll Management, Payroll Systems, Policy Procedures, Process Improvements, Procurement, Procurement Logistics, Project Management, Purchasing Management, Requisition Management {+ 2 more}

Preferred Skills

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

no

Job Posting End Date

06/30/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID: R402560