Payroll Specialist
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 22, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 19, 2026. Smith+Nephew scores B on the Alion truth index.
Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.
The Payroll Specialist works as part of a team that is responsible for the timely and accurate accumulation of payroll data for the Costa Rica. This will be accomplished by the complete end-to-end processing of the payrolls allocated to the Payroll Specialist of various countries within Smith & Nephew in the region. Essential responsibilities include; data entry and system updates in both Workday and local payroll systems, executing interfaces between Workday and local payroll where these exist, as well as executing outbound vendor interfaces. The Payroll Specialist is capable of performing all payroll functions within the scope of the Costa Rica payroll. The role is not limited to specific country payrolls within the Payroll Specialist region and assistance with payrolls outside of the specialist usual processing countries will be requested as and when the need arises.
This position is a P1 level (for internal use only)
What will you be doing?
Responsibilities
Entry and review of the weekly, bi-weekly or monthly payroll time data as required, employee maintenance, tax information, direct deposit, new hire, terminated and any other current employee processing.
Coordinate with Human Resource Department personnel on the timely and accurate updating of employee masterfile changes in Workday.
Manage interfaces and reports between Workday HR and local payroll systems.
Able to explain pay slips to employees in terms of taxation, social contributions and other pay items
Audit payroll data entry and employee status changes to ensure accuracy prior to payroll execution.
Participates in internal and external trainings to keep up to date with the most recent legal changes within the countries in scope.
Ensure timely and accurate administration of employee garnishments, insurances and taxes, ensuring proper withholding and remittance to appropriate agencies and authorities.
Work as a member of cross-GBS, cross-functional team on projects related to system upgrades for Workday, local Payroll and Time & Attendance systems.
Handles employee's cases through Service Now to provide accurate resolution in agreement with the established SLAs.
Execute and audit payroll outbound interfaces to be sent to third party vendors.
Writes and runs reports as required.
Lead or participate in Continuous improvement and Data Analytics initiatives
Execute tests in Workday and payroll test databases as they relate to outbound/inbound interfaces.
Participates in Continuous improvement and Data Analytics initiatives.
Search for answers, conduct complex investigations/analysis
Travel requirements up to 5%
Location is in Costa Rica, Coyol
What will you need to be successful?
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Payroll or Business related field and minimum 2 years of relevant experience, OR in lieu of a degree, 6 years of relevant experience.
Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years of related regional payroll experience at a company processing 500+ employees.
- Prior experience with having a role in new systems implementation, including the testing phase would be an advantage.
- Experience with Workday preferred.
Languages:
- Fluent in English.
- Additional language skills would be an advantage.
Competences:
- Ability to work well within a small team environment.
- Displays a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to respect, protect and maintain highly confidential information.
- Able to work independently, or with little supervision.
- Can work with pace and pressure to meet tight deadlines.
You. Unlimited
We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.
Inclusion + Belonging - Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/
- Your future: stock purchase program, referral bonus, subsidy in transport and food, recognition program.
- Work/Life Balance: Extra days off, birthday off, voluntary hours.
- Your Wellbeing: company doctor, medical insurance, gym, health campaigns, employee assistance program, parental leave.
- Flexibility: Hybrid work model (for more professional roles), flexible schedules.
- Training: Training program, unlimited learning.
- Extra perks: employees association, and more…
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