Payroll Coordinator, LATAM

Wärtsilä is an innovative technology company known for being a forerunner in the Marine and Energy markets. Every day, we – Wärtsilians - put our hearts and minds into turning Wärtsilä's purpose of enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality.

We want to transition the world towards a decarbonised and sustainable future.  By pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology, we can make it work. Together, we can create new business opportunities and more sustainable future that we can all be proud of.  Want to join the ride?

The Payroll Coordinator, Latin America oversees end-to-end, multi-country payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with local regulations. This role partners with HR, Finance, and external payroll providers to standardize processes, strengthen internal controls, and drive continuous improvement across the region.

Location: You could be located in Mexico, Colombia or Panama

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the full payroll cycle for multiple Latin American entities, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
• Review, validate, and approve payroll inputs and results; reconcile variances and ensure data integrity.
• Monitor, interpret, and implement country-specific payroll legislation, tax rules, and social security requirements.
• Manage relationships with external payroll providers; audit standardized processes and SLAs.
• Administer country-specific benefits, vacation accruals, pension plans, and statutory deductions.
• Verify and process employee deductions; ensure proper accounting, booking, and period close activities.
• Lead payroll process improvements; support tool development, testing, and optimization.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports (earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, non-taxable wages).
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies; ensure system balances and accurate master data.
• Respond to employee and stakeholder inquiries; provide clear guidance and support.
• Develop, maintain, and update payroll policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; advise management on legislative changes.
• Implement and monitor internal controls (e.g., segregation of duties, access controls, audit readiness).
• Act as key user for payroll systems; support cross-functional teams, deliver training, and maintain materials.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance on budgeting, funding, payroll forecasting, and calendar governance.
• Perform other related duties to support the payroll function and broader organizational goals.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of payroll experience, preferably in multi-country/regional roles within Latin America.
• Strong knowledge of payroll principles, statutory requirements, and vendor-managed payroll models.
• Experience with payroll systems and integrations; familiarity with internal controls and audit practices.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Payroll certification (e.g., CPP or local equivalent) is desirable.

Skills and Competencies:

• Technical: Payroll systems; MS Office (advanced Excel—macros, pivot tables, data models), Power BI, PowerPoint, Forms; Outlook; familiarity with Copilot or similar AI productivity tools.
• Analytics: High attention to detail; strong reconciliation, data validation, and problem-solving skills.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to explain complex topics clearly.
• Collaboration: Effective teamwork across HR, Finance, and external providers; cultural sensitivity.
• Compliance & Controls: Ability to interpret payroll law, apply internal controls, and maintain confidentiality.
• Organization: Ability to coordinate multiple deadlines, work with minimal supervision, and keep accurate records.

Languages:

• Professional proficiency in English required.
• Spanish and/or Portuguese highly desirable.

Core Competencies:

• Execution and ownership ("Making it happen")
• Relationship building and stakeholder management
• Forward thinking and continuous improvement mindset
• Self-confidence, initiative, and adaptability
• Goal focus and results orientation
• Professional expertise and integrity

Last application date: 24/12/2025 

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities. 

Please note that according to Wärtsilä policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.

This is Wärtsilä 

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 18,300 professionals, in more than 230 locations in 77 countries, shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on