Payroll Senior Specialist: Automation & Compliance (Hybrid)

Merck; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Payroll Senior Specialist to lead US and Puerto Rico payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing while maintaining robust controls and effective ADP governance. The role collaborates with HR, Finance, Tax, Legal, and Internal Audit to ensure compliant payroll delivery.

You will drive process automation and transformation, own end-to-end payroll processes, manage year-end activities, garnishments, and payroll-related audits, and deliver

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years’ experience (with Masters’ degree, minimum experience is 4 years).
• Experience supporting U.S. and Puerto Rico payroll operations.
• Experience with ADP payroll services, payroll tax services, garnishment administration, year-end processing, and payroll governance.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations and tax compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all U.S. and Puerto Rico payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing.
• Oversee payroll production schedules, operational calendars, and critical payroll processing activities.
• Control payroll escalations and ensure timely resolution of complex payroll issues and employee inquiries.
• Serve as the operational Senior Specialist for activations and escalations impacting employee pay.
• Ensure payroll processes are executed in compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and established service levels.
• Promote knowledge sharing across the payroll organization.

Skills

Adaptability

Certified Payroll

Credit Management

Credit Risk

Financial Accounting Controls

Payroll Analysis

Payroll Management

Payroll Processing

Payroll Reports

Payroll Tax Compliance

People Management

Financial Reporting

Process Improvement

Team Coordination

Vendor Coordination

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Merck in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Payroll Senior Specialist to lead US and Puerto Rico payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing while maintaining robust controls and effective ADP governance. The role collaborates with HR, Finance, Tax, Legal, and Internal Audit to ensure compliant payroll delivery.

You will drive process automation and transformation, own end-to-end payroll processes, manage year-end activities, garnishments, and payroll-related audits, and deliver