Global Payroll Specialist

Global Payroll Specialist Job Description

The Global Payroll Specialist supports the accurate and timely preparation and processing of payroll across the organization. The role gathers payroll inputs from HiBob and business teams, checks their completeness and accuracy, and converts data into the required format for submission to ADP Celergo and other payroll providers. This is a hands‑on operational role for someone with payroll processing experience, strong Excel and data skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to learn new systems quickly. The role works closely with the Global Payroll Manager, HR, Finance, and external payroll providers. The Global Payroll Manager retains accountability for payroll governance, compliance, final approval, and technical decisions.

Key responsibilities

Payroll preparation and processing Support payroll processing across assigned countries, entities, and payroll cycles in line with agreed calendars and deadlines. Collect payroll inputs from HiBob and business teams, including new hires, leavers, salary changes, variable payments, benefits, deductions, leave, and other employee changes. Extract, clean, validate, and format employee and payroll data from multiple sources into templates required by ADP Celergo and other payroll providers. Upload or submit accurate payroll input files and complete pre‑processing checks before payroll cut‑off dates. Review payroll outputs against source data, prior periods, and agreed control totals; investigate discrepancies and escalate material issues promptly. Support off‑cycle payments, corrections, and retroactive adjustments under the direction of the Global Payroll Manager. Maintain accurate payroll records, checklists, trackers, and supporting documentation.

Data, reconciliation and reporting

Reconcile payroll inputs and outputs, identify variances, and maintain clear evidence of completed checks. Prepare payroll reports, journals, funding information, and audit support for review by the Global Payroll Manager and Finance. Monitor data quality between HR, payroll, and finance systems and follow up on missing, inconsistent, or incomplete information. Use Excel to organize and analyze large data sets, including lookups, formulas, pivot tables, and data validation tools. Handle payroll and employee data securely and in accordance with data privacy and confidentiality requirements.

Stakeholder and provider support

Work with HR, Finance, managers and external providers to obtain complete and accurate payroll information on time. Respond to routine payroll queries clearly and professionally, referring complex, sensitive, or technical matters to the Global Payroll Manager. Track outstanding actions with payroll providers and internal teams and support the timely resolution of operational issues. Build effective working relationships across countries, cultures, and time zones.

Processes, systems and improvement

Learn and use HiBob, ADP Celergo and other payroll platforms to support day‑to‑day payroll operations. Follow documented payroll processes, controls, and approval requirements, escalating exceptions and potential risks. Maintain process notes, payroll calendars, templates, and job aids so activities can be completed consistently. Suggest practical improvements to data collection, templates, controls, and workflows to reduce manual effort and improve accuracy. Support system testing, payroll migrations, and process changes as required.

Experience and qualifications

Essential Practical payroll processing or payroll administration experience, with a sound understanding of payroll inputs, outputs, deadlines, and reconciliations. Strong Excel and data manipulation skills, including the ability to extract, clean, compare, validate, and format data from multiple sources. High level of accuracy, numeracy, and attention to detail when working with sensitive, high‑volume data. Ability to learn new payroll and HR systems quickly and follow structured processes and controls. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities within fixed deadlines. Confidence in investigating discrepancies, solving operational problems, and escalating issues appropriately. Clear written and spoken English, with the ability to work effectively with international colleagues and providers.

Desirable Experience in a multinational, shared services, or multi‑entity environment. Experience using ADP Celergo, another ADP payroll product, HiBob or a comparable HR/payroll platform. Experience working with outsourced payroll providers or preparing payroll input files for third‑party processing. Exposure to payroll‑to‑finance reconciliations, journals, funding reports, or payroll implementation projects. A relevant technical, professional, or university qualification in payroll, accounting, finance, business administration, or human resources.

Core capabilities

• Data accuracy Checks detail and produces reliable outputs.
• Learning agility Quickly understands systems, templates, and workflows.
• Delivery focus Works methodically to fixed payroll deadlines.
• Problem solving Investigates variances and identifies practical actions.
• Collaboration Works constructively with HR, Finance and providers.
• Confidentiality Handles sensitive employee data with care and discretion.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
• Climbing
• Lifting up to 50+ pounds
• Pulling
• Pushing
• Carrying
• Grasping
• Reaching
• Bending
• Visual Acuity—Color Determination
• Speaking
• Listening

Location Bogotá, COL

Employee Type Employee

Kaplan lnternational is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. If you require any adjustments or additional support within the recruitment process, please contact us directly. Kaplan International, the international division of Kaplan Inc., encompasses a range of businesses: a dynamic English‑language training provider with 40‑plus schools across the globe, a range of Pathways programmes which help international students progress onto degree programs at top‑ranked university partners in the U.K., U.S., and Australia, a leading higher education institution in Singapore where more than 18,000 domestic and international students study towards diplomas and degrees and a professional and vocational training operation in Australia and Asia Pacific.