US Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Location: San Jose, Costa Rica.

The US Payroll Specialist will support our Payroll team in our Shared Service Center in Costa Rica. The Payroll Specialist will provide transactional and administrative support for employees, managers, and HR partners. This role will mainly oversee audits for inputs coming from our payroll vendor and team. This role is responsible for the follow-up and completion of employee Payroll inquiries and audits. It will also require compiling and analyzing payroll data and reports to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing. This role will also facilitate Tier 0 or Tier 1 case resolution in transferring knowledge to these levels.

What you will get:

• An agile career and dynamic working culture.

• An inclusive and ethical workplace.

• Compensation programs that recognize high performance.

• A variety of benefits dependent on role and location.

What you will do:

• Compile, analyze, and process payroll data to ensure accurate and timely payroll execution, including bonuses and off-cycle payments.

• Lead payroll audits, respond to data requests, and support strategic initiatives such as acquisitions and workforce changes.

• Oversee all payroll activities while maintaining compliance with governance SOPs and internal controls.

• Partner with Finance, Treasury, and Tax teams to manage funding, reconcile adjustments, and ensure accurate reporting.

• Develop and maintain SOPs, optimize payroll processes, and implement best practices for efficiency and accuracy.

• Manage vendor operations, resolve issues, and ensure accountability for service delivery.

• Respond to payroll inquiries, adjust PTO accruals in Kronos, and review Workday transactions for accuracy.

What we are looking for:

• Advanced English level (spoken and written).

• Bachelor’s degree in progress in Accounting, Business, Human Resources, or a related field.

• Experience in Payroll for the United States (US tax Knowledge is a plus).

• Working experience with Time and Attendance Systems (Workday and Kronos preferred).

• Advanced Excel knowledge.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.