Specialist, Manual Payments

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: English required; Portuguese and Spanish preferred (Chinese/Japanese a plus)

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}

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):

NA

Job Posting End Date:

09/30/2026

*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.