What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Analyst position at Merck?
We are seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our HR Shared Services team. This role is responsible for managing payroll operations for over 30,000 U.S. and Puerto Rico employees while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations. The Payroll Specialist will partner closely with ADP’s managed payroll services, HR, and Finance teams to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing. This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while supporting ongoing process improvements, audits, and special projects.
Responsibilities
• Partner with ADP’s managed payroll teams to ensure accurate multi-state payroll processing under strict deadlines.
• Process bi-weekly payrolls, including complex transactions such as Inpats, Expats, Stock Options, and union payrolls.
• Review and validate payroll inputs from internal sources to ensure accuracy for new hires, terminations, bonuses, and adjustments.
• Research and resolve payroll-related cases, escalations, and employee inquiries.
• Audit payroll processes to identify and reduce errors, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
• Manage time and attendance systems, including entries, edits, and configuration.
• Complete and balance Rapid Pay Data entries, submit batch totals, and resolve flagged items in the ADP portal.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures by ensuring accurate payroll integration.
• Serve as backup for Puerto Rico payroll and non-exempt payroll as needed.
• Support internal and external audits, providing documentation and analysis.
• Maintain and update payroll SOPs, work instructions, and process maps.
• Recommend and support process improvement initiatives across payroll operations.
• Manage payroll-related service tickets via Service Now.
Education
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline preferred.
Experience
Required:
• 3 years of payroll experience in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance (federal, state, local wage and hour laws).
• Proficiency with ADP Enterprise systems.
• Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Experience in union payroll processing and time/attendance systems.
• Excellent communication skills with high personal integrity and credibility.
Preferred:
• Experience with Workday HRIS.
• Experience working with payroll vendors and interdependent groups such as HR and Finance.
• Experience with Service Now.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements (CBA) and time configuration.
• Comprehensive outsourcing experience.
Additional Information
• Locations: Candidates may be based at the Charlotte, NC, or Rahway, NJ site.
• This role is part of a shared services HR environment.
• Requires flexibility to meet tight payroll deadlines and support projects, audits, and compliance initiatives.
Salary : $30 - $33