Human Resources/Payroll Specialist- Puerto Rico

Bristol-myers Squibb; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bristol-Myers Squibb is seeking an HR/Payroll Specialist under the US Capability Center framework based in Tampa, FL, with responsibilities split between HR generalist duties and monthly Retiree payroll processing.

The role emphasizes local market liaison, adherence to Puerto Rico labor laws, process improvement, and payroll compliance, supported by Kronos and ServiceNow tools. Excellent English and Spanish communication is required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of HR generalist experience with payroll exposure.
• Knowledge of Puerto Rico labor laws and regulations.
• Experience with payroll processes and Kronos is preferred.
• Ability to manage confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Act as liaison between local market and Tampa Capability Center.
• Improve HR processes and remove non-value activities.
• Provide guidance on Puerto Rico employment legislation.
• Ensure policy alignment across HR systems and processes.
• Coordinate HR documentation with local law.
• Support audits and HR data requests.
• Implement the oneHR operating model.
• Handle HR admin tasks as needed.
• Manage monthly Retiree payroll processing.
• Support Kronos onboarding and time tracking roles.
• Respond to payroll inquiries via ServiceNow.
• Coordinate with outsourced providers on payroll policies.
• Calculate payroll adjustments, ensure tax compliance.
• Reconcile payroll data with internal teams.
• Keep up with payroll regulation changes.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

HR generalist experience

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

Kronos

ServiceNow

Microsoft Office

Job description

Under the guidance of the US Capability Center located in Tampa, FL USA the HR/Payroll Specialist is a member of the Human Resources organization.

This role will primarily focus on HR generalist responsibilities, encompassing various aspects of human resources, while also managing the monthly Retiree payroll process.

Main Responsibilities

HR Generalist (75%)

• Act as a key liaison pulling through activities between the local market and the Capability Center located in Tampa; provide local insights into market practices from a cultural and legislation perspective and highlight legislation changes impacting activities executed by the Capability Center.
• Drive continuous improvement of processes and identify opportunities to eliminate activities that are no longer required or add no value; raise issues and opportunities for improvement with the accountable parties.
• Provide an excellent understanding of Puerto Rico market‑specific employment legislation to give context and advice on how it applies to various situations for the workforce and processes.
• Ensure accurate policy representation in interconnected systems/processes and contribute to develop end‑to‑end processes that support HR operations.
• Support the appropriate execution and processing of HR documents required by local legislation in Puerto Rico with efficient coordination with the Capability Center for consistent management and processing.
• Coordinate and provide data for external and internal audits.
• Embed and continuously enforce the HR operating model, ensuring clarity of when, where and how HR activities will be managed within a oneHR approach.
• Execute any other reasonable HR administration tasks required to support the HR team.

Payroll Processing Specialist (25%)

• Manage the monthly Retiree payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely processing of employee compensation.
• Support manager and employee onboarding for the Kronos system to ensure proper understanding of roles and responsibilities for accurate time tracking.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, deductions and tax‑related matters via the ServiceNow case management system.
• Coordinate with outsourced service providers regarding all policies, programs and processes related to payroll.
• Calculate and process payroll adjustments such as bonuses, commissions and overtime; ensure compliance with payroll laws and regulations, including tax withholdings and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to reconcile payroll data and resolve any discrepancies.
• Stay updated on changes in payroll regulations and implement necessary adjustments to ensure compliance.

Required Experience & Skills

• Degree from an accredited university or college specialized in HR, recognized HR certification, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of human resources operational experience at a generalist level with exposure to payroll processes and programs.
• General knowledge and understanding of HR policies and processes and Puerto Rico labor laws and regulations.
• Strong administration and organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Professional maturity to build strong business relationships and constructively challenge business processes and behaviors.
• Ability to complete and deliver tasks in a timely and comprehensive manner.
• Customer and service‑oriented attitude.
• Excellent communication skills, able to present written or verbally in English and Spanish complex information in a clear and structured way to employees, HR partners, management groups and business leaders.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with automated time and attendance systems, preferably Kronos.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility

BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request reasonable accommodations prior to accepting a job offer at [e-mail]. View the full Equal Employment Opportunity statement at careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility.

BMS will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area. Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.

All employees are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and keep up to date with Covid-19 boosters.