Payroll, Global Payroll & Compliance Manager

Overview

This role involves managing and scaling payroll, global compliance, and benefits operations for a rapidly growing organization with a global workforce. The Payroll, Global Compliance & Benefits Manager will serve as the primary expert for U.S. and international payroll operations, payroll accounting, multi-state and global compliance, employee benefits administration, regulatory filings, bonus and commission processing, payroll tax compliance, and payroll-related audits. The position requires close collaboration with Finance, People Operations, Legal, and external service providers to ensure accurate and timely employee payments while maintaining compliance across all jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

Payroll Operations

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for U.S. employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee international payroll operations across multiple countries, including employees, contractors, and Employer of Record (EOR) populations.
• Serve as the internal payroll expert and primary administrator for Rippling.
• Partner with international payroll providers, EOR partners, and local advisors to ensure compliant payroll processing.
• Administer semi-monthly payroll cycles covering salary, bonuses, commissions, equity-related impacts, fringe benefits, deductions, garnishments, relocation benefits, and final pay.
• Review payroll changes for accuracy, completeness, and compliance before submission.
• Ensure consistency and integrity of payroll data across all systems and providers.
• Collaborate with People Operations to reflect employee lifecycle events accurately in payroll systems.
• Continuously improve payroll processes, controls, and documentation to support growth and scalability.

Bonus & Commission Administration

• Manage or support calculation, validation, and payroll processing of employee bonus and commission programs.
• Collaborate with Finance, Revenue Operations, and Sales leadership to align commission calculations with approved compensation plans.
• Review bonus and commission payouts for accuracy before payroll processing.
• Support commission and bonus accrual calculations and related accounting entries.

Payroll Accounting & Financial Close

• Prepare and reconcile payroll-related journal entries.
• Maintain payroll-related balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities related to payroll, benefits, commissions, bonuses, and employee liabilities.
• Reconcile payroll reports to the general ledger and investigate discrepancies.
• Partner with Accounting and Finance teams to ensure accurate payroll-related financial reporting.
• Support annual compensation-related disclosures and audit requests.

Compliance & Regulatory Filings

• Own payroll compliance across federal, state, local, and international jurisdictions.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll tax filings, registrations, renewals, and remittances.
• Manage multi-state payroll compliance requirements, including withholding accounts, unemployment registrations, and state agency reporting.
• Oversee state and local business registrations and annual compliance requirements.
• Coordinate and support annual business property filings, including California Form 571-L and similar obligations.
• Manage San Francisco business registrations, annual reports, and related compliance filings.
• Ensure timely completion of annual payroll reporting requirements, including W-2 processing and employee tax documentation.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to maintain compliance with international payroll, tax, and employment requirements.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and implement process updates proactively.
• Maintain compliance calendars and ensure all filing deadlines are met.

Benefits & Retirement Plan Administration

• Administer payroll-related aspects of employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, commuter, life insurance, disability, and other deductions.
• Partner with brokers, benefit providers, and People Operations to ensure accurate payroll deductions and reporting.
• Coordinate and lead annual 401(k) audit activities, including auditor requests, census preparation, testing support, reconciliations, and documentation.
• Support retirement plan compliance, employee contribution accuracy, employer match calculations, and annual true-ups.
• Assist with annual benefit renewals and benefit-related payroll implementations.

Audit & Internal Controls

• Serve as the primary payroll and compliance contact for external auditors.
• Support financial statement audits, payroll audits, 401(k) audits, tax audits, and regulatory examinations.
• Maintain payroll process narratives, policies, documentation, and control frameworks.
• Develop and strengthen payroll-related internal controls and compliance procedures.
• Ensure audit readiness through organized documentation, reconciliations, and process ownership.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Manage relationships with payroll providers, EOR partners, benefit administrators, brokers, and related vendors.
• Evaluate and implement payroll process improvements and automation opportunities.
• Ensure payroll systems and integrations operate effectively and accurately.
• Partner cross-functionally on system implementations, enhancements, and compliance initiatives.
• Support global expansion efforts by establishing payroll and compliance processes in new states and countries.
• Develop scalable processes to support a growing and increasingly global workforce.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience with ownership of end-to-end payroll operations.
• Hands-on experience administering payroll through Rippling.
• Experience managing both U.S. and international payroll operations.
• Deep understanding of federal, state, local, and international payroll compliance requirements.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, filings, registrations, and reporting requirements.
• Experience managing multi-state payroll environments.
• Experience supporting bonus and commission calculations and payroll processing.
• Experience supporting month-end close and payroll accounting activities.
• Strong understanding of payroll-related GAAP accounting principles.
• Experience coordinating with payroll vendors, EOR providers, tax advisors, and external auditors.
• Experience supporting financial audits, payroll audits, 401(k) audits, and compliance reviews.
• Demonstrated experience managing state registrations, payroll tax accounts, and ongoing compliance obligations.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and take ownership of critical processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Experience in a high-growth technology, SaaS, or AI company.
• Experience with Deel, Remote, Papaya Global, Oyster, Workday, ADP, or similar global payroll platforms.
• Experience supporting employees across North America, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regions.
• Experience with equity compensation payroll implications and related tax reporting.
• Experience with California payroll compliance and San Francisco business reporting requirements.
• Experience building payroll, compliance, and benefits functions in a scaling startup environment.
• Experience implementing payroll systems, controls, and process improvements from the ground up.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $160,000—$240,000 USD, determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

Location

• Bay Area strongly preferred; open to remote within the United States.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The organization is committed to building a diverse team and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law is prohibited. Reasonable accommodations are provided to individuals with disabilities to participate in the application process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits of employment.