Payroll Manager

Job Title: Payroll Manager

Location: San Jose CA95002

Duration: 6 Months

About the Role:

Seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead end-to-end payroll operations across our domestic and Australia workforce of over 1500 this role you will own the accuracy and compliance of our payroll function including equity transactions SOX controls and multi-state tax obligations while driving automation initiatives and serving as the companys subject matter expert on payroll accounting tax and regulatory requirements. You will work closely with Finance HR Legal and third-party agencies to ensure timely accurate and compliant payroll delivery at scale.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Operations & Workday.

• Prepare and process end-to-end multi-state payrolls for 1500 employees using Workday Payroll.
• Process and submit employee equity transactions and related tax withholding through Workday Payroll.
• Partner with HRIS and IT teams to manage Workday system updates testing and enhancements.
• Manage day-to-day payroll activities and resolve payroll-related discrepancies on time.
• Serve as the primary point of escalation for Workday payroll issues and employee inquiries.

Payroll Accounting

• Prepare and review payroll journal entries reconciliations and general ledger postings.
• Collaborate with the Accounting team to ensure accurate recording of payroll expenses accruals and liabilities.
• Support month-end and year-end close activities including W-2 processing and payroll-related account reconciliations.

Payroll Tax & Compliance.

• Ensure accurate calculation withholding remittance and reporting of federal state and local payroll taxes.
• Manage W-2 W-2c and other year-end tax filings and reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with payroll SOX controls and maintain current knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations.
• Responding to inquiries from employees HR Accounting government agencies and third-party vendors utilizing knowledge of policies procedures and legislation
• Conduct audits of data changes and requests to ensure compliance with company policy and practices.
• Oversee multi-state payroll tax registrations and respond to tax agency notices and audits.
• Maintain detailed payroll records and audit-ready documentation.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of all payroll remittances and reporting.

Time Attendance & Employee Data

• Manage time and attendance workflow to ensure all timesheets time-off requests and payroll data is received timely and accurate complete and compliant with state and federal standards.
• Partner with Legal and HR to ensure compliance with garnishments levies and other mandated deductions.
• Monitor and implement regulatory changes impacting payroll operations including FLSA and state-specific wage and hour laws.

Technology Automation & AI

• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate payroll processes reducing manual effort and error risk.
• Lead or support payroll technology projects including system integrations upgrades and process redesigns.
• Leverage AI tools (e.g. Claude Gemini or similar) to enhance payroll reporting drafting research and workflow efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to apply AI-assisted automation to reduce manual effort in data validation reconciliation and exception handling

Qualifications:

• 8 years of experience processing end-to-end payroll and equity transactions
• Hands-on expertise with Workday Payroll.
• Strong knowledge of payroll accounting principles SOX controls and general ledger reconciliation.
• In-depth understanding of federal and multi-state payroll tax compliance and wage and hour laws.
• Proven year-end close experience including W-2 and W-2c processing in Workday and ADP SmartCompliance.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and G-Suite (Excel Google Sheets).
• Ability to work independently with general supervision prioritize effectively and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail self-motivation and ability to manage confidential material with discretion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with commitment to customer service and ownership.

Additional Information:

• No scheduled extended time off will be approved through March 2027 - there will be no one available to cover.
• In Office 3 Days per week (Mon Tues Thurs) Remote 2 Days per week (Wed Fri) through September (set date TBD). Will then be transitioning full remote

Required Skills:

Payroll