Payroll & Benefits Manager

About the role

The Payroll & Benefits Manager leads the global payroll and benefits administration function across multiple countries. The role ensures accurate and timely payroll processing, manages all benefit programs and guarantees legal compliance with employee payments, supplier payments and cost control. It works closely with Finance, HR and third-party vendors.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for employees in multiple countries, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and compliance with local labor, tax and social insurance regulations
• Maintain payroll records, audit controls and documentation, and provide information for labor inspections and internal and external audits
• Manage payroll integrations with HRIS and finance systems, troubleshoot discrepancies and make employee, tax and fee payments within statutory deadlines
• Administer benefit programs (medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, wellness, leave) across countries, lead annual renewals and open enrollment, and act as the main contact for benefit vendors and brokers
• Manage retirement programs such as 401(k) (USA) and country-specific pension plans, including contributions, loans, distributions, employer matches and annual audits
• Ensure compliance with regional, federal, state/provincial and international employment laws and prepare required payroll and benefits reporting
• Manage relationships with global payroll providers, benefits brokers, retirement plan vendors and technology platforms, evaluate vendor performance and lead process optimization projects
• Respond to employee inquiries, develop employee communications and train HR team members and managers on payroll and benefits processes

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration or a related field
• 5+ years of progressive experience in payroll and benefits administration, including people leadership
• Experience processing payroll and benefits in a multi-country environment, USA and Costa Rica (indispensable)
• Strong knowledge of 401(k) administration, ERISA compliance and pension plans
• English and Spanish required; Portuguese desirable
• Preferred: CPP, CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR certification, and experience with rapid-growth global companies

Required skills

• Proficiency in HRIS and payroll systems; Workday and/or ADP experience preferred
• Experience managing payroll integrations with ERP/finance systems preferred
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, communication and vendor management skills