Payroll/Finance Controller Specialist

About the role

Athena is looking for a Payroll/Finance Controller Specialist to lead a scalable, compliant financial operation for its Guatemala office. The role bridges Finance and HR, ensuring accurate payroll processing, statutory compliance, and robust accounting support.

Key responsibilities

• Assist the Payroll Specialist with end‑to‑end payroll processing (monthly or bi‑weekly), including salaries, overtime, commissions, bonuses and deductions.
• Process mandatory Guatemalan statutory payments such as Bono 14, Aguinaldo, and IGSS contributions, and file payroll tax reports.
• Reconcile payroll transactions with General Ledger accounts, prepare payroll journal entries and support month‑end and year‑end close.
• Handle accounts payable for Guatemalan vendors via Tipalti, ensuring timely onboarding, approval, and accurate posting in QuickBooks.
• Act as the primary contact for external auditors and submit statutory reports to local government offices.
• Conduct payroll audits, maintain employee payroll records in HRIS/payroll systems, and prepare documentation for government inspections.

Required profile

• Proven experience in payroll administration and finance operations, preferably within Guatemala.
• Strong knowledge of Guatemalan labor and tax regulations, including statutory bonuses and social security contributions.
• Ability to work independently, back‑up the Payroll Specialist and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.

Required skills

• QuickBooks accounting software.
• Tipalti payments platform.
• Payroll processing systems and HRIS.
• General Ledger reconciliation.