Payroll Manager

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Posted May 2, 2026

Remote · US · ask about Worldwide Full Time

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Overview

An organization specializing in open source programming models is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead all payroll functions. This role is foundational within the accounting team and reports directly to the Controller. The Payroll Manager will oversee payroll administration, maintain records, file tax reports, process deductions, prepare accounting transactions, and develop scalable documentation and procedures.

As the organization plans to establish subsidiaries in the UK, Singapore, Canada, India, and Australia within the next year, this role will be critical in setting up compliant payroll operations in these countries by collaborating with local payroll providers and internal teams.

Responsibilities

US Payroll Operations

Manage day-to-day US payroll operations, coordinating with internal teams and external vendors to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing across semi-monthly and bi-weekly cycles for a growing workforce across multiple states
Prepare payroll input files and review payroll outputs for accuracy and compliance
Partner with Human Resources on employee compensation, benefits, and disability matters, ensuring proper taxation and treatment of employer-paid benefits including NSOs, RSUs, and 401(k) contributions
Manage payroll inputs such as new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, commissions, relocation payments, leave of absence calculations, domestic partner benefits, group term life insurance, and equity-related events
Administer benefits-related payroll deductions and ensure compliance with 401(k), FSA, HSA, and other programs; audit, reconcile, and fund 401(k) contributions
Maintain multi-state payroll tax registrations, ensure timely deposits and filings, manage quarterly tax adjustments and year-end reporting
Oversee quarter-end, W-2 preparation, year-end reconciliations, and resolution of tax notices
Serve as subject matter expert in US payroll and respond to employee inquiries

International Payroll — Subsidiary Buildout

Coordinate with local payroll providers in the UK, Singapore, Canada, India, and Australia to establish compliant payroll operations
Act as primary internal contact for international payroll vendors, reviewing payroll registers, approving runs, resolving discrepancies
Advise on country-specific payroll requirements during subsidiary setup
Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and HR on international onboarding to ensure payroll readiness
Establish payroll calendars, approval workflows, and escalation procedures for each jurisdiction

Compliance & Controls

Establish, document, and enforce internal controls in compliance with SOX requirements to support IPO readiness
Oversee internal and external payroll audits, including Workers’ Compensation and 401(k) audits
Implement payroll review and audit procedures, validating earnings, payments, deductions, and garnishments
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws
Review payroll and tax reporting for accuracy and timeliness

Accounting & Month-End Close

Prepare and post payroll journal entries; reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts monthly
Support annual audits by providing payroll schedules, reconciliations, and documentation
Assist with equity compensation accounting coordination (Form 3921, W-2 supplemental wage reporting, ASC 718 inputs)
Complete quarter-end and year-end reconciliations for tax filings and W-2s

Systems, Automation & Process

Maintain and improve payroll system configuration (Rippling), identifying automation opportunities
Lead special projects including process improvements, documentation, system integrations, and payroll system upgrades or reimplementations
Drive automation initiatives and process enhancements in collaboration with HR, IT, Legal, and Accounting
Maintain thorough payroll documentation and standard operating procedures
Prepare special reports for management as needed

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Requirements

Minimum 8 years of payroll experience, including at least 3 years managing full-cycle US payroll independently
Deep knowledge of equity compensation processing (RSUs, ISOs, NSOs) and related tax implications
Strong understanding of US payroll tax compliance, including multi-state, supplemental wages, garnishments, and equity-related events
Experience with international payroll in at least two of the following countries: UK, Singapore, Canada, India, Australia
Proficiency with Rippling payroll system (required); experience migrating or configuring payroll systems is a plus
Advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills, capable of building reconciliations and schedules from scratch
Experience supporting financial statement audits; exposure to SOX compliance or IPO readiness preferred
Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and build structure independently
Excellent customer service and communication skills; collaborative and proactive across Finance, HR, Legal, and vendors
High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) designation
Experience with Employer of Record (EOR) to subsidiary transitions internationally
Familiarity with AI or automation tools applied to payroll workflows

Compensation & Benefits

Target salary range: $180,000 to $225,000
Eligibility for stock options as part of the organization's equity plan

U.S. Benefits

Unlimited paid time off, 12 holidays plus 2 floating holidays
100% premiums coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance
AD&D, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance (standard and supplemental options available)
401(k) retirement plan
Additional perks including learning and development funds, lifestyle spending account, in-home office setup, professional memberships, work-from-home meals, internet stipend, and mental wellness app subscription

International Benefits

Paid time off and benefits vary by country and are managed in partnership with a global employment provider
Perks include learning and career development funds, lifestyle spending account, in-home office setup, professional memberships, work-from-home meals, and access to a mental wellness app