Global Manual Payments Specialist at Merck · San José

Global Manual Payments Specialist
Location: CRI - San Jose - San Jose (City Place)
Job Description
Position Overview
Our company’s Global Business Solutions (GBS) team manages end-to-end Source to Settle (StS) processes, including purchasing, invoicing, and payments.
The Specialist, Manual Payments is responsible for executing and controlling manual payments processed outside standard system runs. This role ensures accuracy, compliance, and proper approvals, while supporting process improvements and reducing manual activities.
The position requires strong attention to detail, a proactive mindset, and the ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced, controlled environment. It also involves supporting projects, data analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to improve efficiency and drive standardization and automation globally.
Key Responsibilities
Execute and validate manual payments, ensuring accuracy, approvals, and compliance
Support urgent, one-time, and off-cycle payments as needed
Monitor and track manual payment requests, ensuring timely resolution
Investigate and resolve failed or rejected payments and invoice issues
Ensure proper documentation and audit-ready records for all payments
Challenge the need for manual payments and promote standard processes
Perform root cause analysis and support sustainable solutions
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (IT, invoicing, vendor data) to resolve issues
Support automation, standardization, and process improvement initiatives
Assist with data analysis, reporting, and project work
Ensure adherence to internal controls, compliance, and SOX requirements
Deliver high-quality service to internal and external stakeholders
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field (preferred)
Minimum 3 years of experience in Finance Shared Services, Payments, or StS
Understanding of payment processes, controls, and compliance
Experience with manual/non-standard payments preferred
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
Experience in audit or controlled environments preferred
Ability to manage priorities and work proactively
Technical Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Experience with SAP and Ariba required
Familiarity with banking portals and payment tools
Ability to interpret payment instructions and supporting documentation
Basic understanding of payment formats and methods
Skills & Competencies
High attention to detail and accuracy
Strong organizational and time management skills
Analytical and problem-solving mindset
Effective communication and stakeholder management
Customer-focused and results-driven
High integrity and accountability
Ability to work independently and in teams
Continuous improvement mindset
Languages: Professional communication in Portuguese, English, and Spanish is required.
Possible Career Moves
Specialist / Senior Specialist, STS Support
Specialist / Senior Specialist, Vendor Master Data
Specialist / Senior Specialist, Supplier Onboarding
Specialist / Senior Specialist, Invoice Processing / Resolution
Senior Specialist, Settlements
Required Skills:
Account Collections, Account Collections, Adaptability, Analytical Problem Solving, Balance Sheet Account Reconciliations, Business Administration, Business Processes, Business Support, Communication, Compliance SOX, Continuous Process Improvement, Credit Management, Data Analysis, Data Integrity, Detail-Oriented, Financial Accounting Controls, Financial Operations, Global Shared Services, Human Resources (HR) Shared Services Advisory, Interpersonal Relationships, Payment Processing, Preparation of Financial Reports, Project Management, Quantitative Analytics, Stakeholder Engagement {+ 2 more}
Required Skills:
Account Collections, Account Collections, Adaptability, Analytical Problem Solving, Balance Sheet Account Reconciliations, Business Administration, Business Processes, Business Support, Communication, Compliance SOX, Continuous Process Improvement, Credit Management, Data Analysis, Data Integrity, Detail-Oriented, Financial Accounting Controls, Financial Operations, Global Shared Services, Human Resources (HR) Shared Services Advisory, Interpersonal Relationships, Payment Processing, Preparation of Financial Reports, Project Management, Quantitative Analytics, Stakeholder Engagement {+ 2 more}
Preferred Skills:
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
No relocation
VISA Sponsorship:
No
Travel Requirements:
No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
no
Job Posting End Date:
08/9/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.