LATAM Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for accurately and timely processing of payroll and benefits across all Latin Americas countries (Mexico, Brazil, Chili, Costa Rica).
This role ensures compliance with local labor laws, tax regulations, and internal policies while delivering exceptional service to employees. Troubleshooting and resolving payroll issues efficiently, processing time clock software, partnering with ADP to resolve payroll issues and ensure that all taxing liabilities are properly remitted is expected.

This role plays a critical part in ensuring compliance with local labor laws and tax regulations while also driving strategic benefit initiatives. The specialist will work closely with internal stakeholders, including HRSS Benefits and our external benefits brokers and vendors, to ensure that employees receive competitive, cost-effective, and compliant benefits tailored to each country's needs.

This role reports to the Americas Payroll Manager with a strong link to the US Benefits Manager

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Primary responsibilities and/or essential functions include:

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for Costa Rica, Mexico, Brazil, Chile ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.

• Administer employee benefits programs including health, life, retirement, and leave policies, ensuring alignment with local regulations and company standards.

• Partner with HRSS Benefits and HRSS Payroll to evaluate and optimize Payroll delivery and benefit offerings, ensuring they are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with employee needs.

• Collaborate with external benefits brokers and vendors to assess market trends, negotiate renewals, and implement new benefit programs.

• Maintain accurate payroll and benefits records, including employee enrollments, changes, and terminations.

• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll and benefits with professionalism and clarity.

• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

• Monitor changes in labor laws and tax regulations across LATAM and recommend necessary updates to payroll and benefits processes.

• Participate in cross-functional projects to improve payroll and benefits operations, including system upgrades and process automation.

• Provide training and guidance to HR colleagues and managers on payroll and benefits procedures.

• Collect and verify timesheets and obtain required approvals.

• Process monthly/quarterly Expat shadow payroll entries and 3rd party relocation entries.

• Provide support to both internal and external audit inquiries.

• Verify and audit payroll changes entered by PRP's for processing with established deadlines.

• Update and process T&A requests using HR internal helpdesk, with established SLA's

• Respond to employees with questions regarding their payroll information.

• Maintain payroll and benefit support documents per internal policies and procedures.

• Complete payroll and benefit reporting requirements per country regulations.

• Drive change by collaborating on procedures to streamline payroll and benefit processes.

• Assist in special projects as assigned by management.

SKILLS/SPECIFICATIONS:

• Strong understanding of payroll processing and benefit administration in Costa Rica, Mexico, Brazil, Chile.

• In-depth knowledge of local labor laws, tax regulations, and statutory benefits.

• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders to align benefit strategies with business goals.

• Experience managing vendor relationships, including benefits brokers and third-party payroll providers.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to assess cost-effectiveness and competitiveness of benefit programs.

• High attention to detail and accuracy in data handling and reporting.

• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in both English and Spanish.

• Proficiency in payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now, Celergo, or similar platforms.

• Discretion and integrity in handling confidential employee information.

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration, preferably in a multinational LATAM context.

• Strong knowledge of CR, MX, BR, CL labor and tax laws; familiarity with other LATAM countries is a plus.

• Experience working with payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now, Celergo, or similar platforms.

• Proven ability to manage vendor relationships and negotiate service agreements.

• Excellent communication skills in both English and Spanish.

• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• ADP custom reporting and Smart Compliance experience preferred.

• Understanding of, and experience with, the Oracle HRIS System preferred.

• Payroll certification (e.g., CPP) is a plus.