LATAM Payroll Manager

Kohler Co.

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The LATAM Payroll Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing payroll functions across Kohler’s Latin American operations. This includes ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing, compliance with local tax and labor regulations, and optimizing payroll systems and processes. The role will be pivotal in ensuring Kohler maintains a streamlined and efficient payroll operation while adhering to legal requirements across multiple LATAM countries.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field.
7+ years of experience in regional payroll management within LATAM, with strong focus on Mexico and Brazil.
Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and benefits in LATAM countries.
Proficiency in payroll software (e.g., SAP, ADP, Workday, or similar). Eslabon software experience preferred.
Ability to manage large-scale payroll operations across multiple locations and countries.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Fluency in Spanish, with advanced English proficiency.
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in Portuguese.
Certification in Payroll Management or similar credentials.
Experience with HRIS (Human Resource Information System) integration.
Familiarity with benefits administration and the integration of payroll with HR systems.

Responsibilities

Lead and Manage the end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring full compliance with local labor laws, tax requirements, and Kohler’s policies. Oversee the calculation of salaries, bonuses, benefits, and deductions.
Oversee compliance with all local tax, labor, and social security obligations (e.g., IMSS, INFONAVIT, RCV in Mexico; FGTS, INSS in Brazil). Coordinate and submit required statutory filings and declarations, including tax withholdings, social security, and year-end processes. Stay current with labor law updates, tax changes, and regional payroll trends, providing proactive recommendations for change.
Lead a team of payroll professionals, from multiple locations and countries, providing guidance, training, and development to ensure high standards of payroll accuracy and efficiency. Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the payroll function.
Manage payroll systems and tools, identifying and driving process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. Collaborate with IT and other departments to implement new payroll software or system upgrades.
Partner with Human Resources, Finance, and Legal teams to resolve payroll-related issues. Work with HR on employee data management, benefits integration, and new hire onboarding to ensure accurate payroll setup.
Generate and review payroll reports, including cost analysis and compliance audits. Provide regular and ad-hoc reporting to senior management, highlighting any payroll-related risks or opportunities for improvement.
Oversee team’s investigation into employee payroll inquiries. Address discrepancies, ensure timely resolution of issues, and ensure employees receive exceptional service regarding payroll concerns.
Support integration activities for new business units or acquisitions. Lead or participate in payroll-related projects to enhance payroll efficiency or introduce new initiatives within the LATAM region.