Payroll Manager

Job Description

APM Terminals

If you want to impact the growth of the APM Terminals portafolio in Panamá you belong in this role!

We are looking for a Payroll Manager that brings modernization mindset, to automate processes while ensuring accurate, timely and compliant payroll execution in accordance with local labor laws, tax regulations and company policies.

At APM Terminals, a global leader in port and terminal operations, we enable global trade and drive sustainable growth. As part of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, we connect economies and communities worldwide. Our success is driven by a strong commitment to LEAN methodologies, embedding continuous improvement into every aspect of our operations. Join us and be part of a team that values excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

We offer:

At APMT Terminals, we foster a dynamic learning and training culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to continuous improvement is driven by LEAN principles, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers. Join us to be part of an innovative environment where your growth is our priority and experience the numerous advantages of being a valued member of our team.

You will have an excellent opportunity to work in a very dynamic, international and professionally challenging environment among skilled and dedicated colleagues where you will be empowered to driving initiatives and impact in your region. We offer the opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact and driving sustainable growth, with plenty of opportunities for growth within a very international and diverse environment.

As a performance-oriented company, we strive to always recruit the best person for the job – regardless of gender, age, nationality, sexual orientation or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength. In Maersk we make occupational safety and health our highest priority, and we try to ensure that our employees have a healthy work-life balance.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Full payroll cycle knowledge for employees in Panama, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and confidentiality.
• Calculate salaries, overtime, bonuses, commissions, allowances, deductions, and statutory benefits.
• Ensure correct processing of 13th-month salary (Décimo Tercer Mes), vacation pay, severance, and other labor-related payments.
• Validate payroll inputs including new hires, terminations, salary changes, and absences.
• Ensure compliance with Panamanian labor laws and regulations.
• Prepare and submit statutory contributions and reports to Caja de Seguro Social (CSS), Dirección General de Ingresos (DGI) and Ministerio de Trabajo y Desarrollo Laboral (MITRADEL).
• Ensure proper calculation and reporting of income tax, social security contributions, education insurance, and other mandatory deductions.
• Support internal and external payroll audits, ensuring documentation is accurate and traceable.
• Maintain strong internal controls and approval processes over payroll operations. Reconcile payroll results with accounting records and general ledger.
• Ensure data accuracy, audit readiness, and compliance with corporate payroll policies.
• Manage payroll systems and employee data in coordination with HRIS and Finance systems.
• Identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and process improvement. Support payroll system implementations, upgrades, or transitions to third-party providers.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures, manuals, and control documentation.
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries from employees, HR, Finance, and management. Coordinate with external payroll providers, auditors, banks, and government entities. Provide payroll-related insights and reports to management.

We expect you to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in payroll, accounting, or taxation are a plus.
• Strong hands-on experience with Panamanian payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• Experience managing payroll in a corporate or multinational environment is preferred.
• Proven experience working with payroll systems and HRIS platforms.
• Strong knowledge of Panamanian labor law, payroll tax, and social security regulations.
• Advanced Excel skills (formulas, reconciliations, reporting).
• Experience with payroll systems and financial accounting systems.
• Ability to analyze payroll data and identify discrepancies.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong sense of confidentiality and ethics.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Clear communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Continuous improvement and process-driven mindset.
• Excellent English and Spanish written and verbal communication

Learn more about us

Interested in a career at APM Terminals? Discover more and watch our videos about career opportunities at the following link: www.apmterminals.com/careers

At APM Terminals, we are a team of over 20,000 employees across more than 60 countries, united by a passion for delivering excellence in port operations and container management services. We actively support the progress of the communities around us, enabling local economies to unlock their full potential.

APM Terminals is an independent business unit within Denmark’s Maersk Group, a global Fortune 500 company with approximately 89,000 employees.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities and provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. We value diversity and prohibit discrimination against any applicant based on race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

DEI Statement to be added at the end of the job description:

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

#LI-FB1

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing accommodationrequests@maersk.com.