Senior Payroll Manager

Date PostedJune 24, 2026LocationFlexible / RemoteCompanyWealthfrontSalary$120,000 - $141,500 plus equity and a discretionary bonus.TypeSenior Level

Job Summary

Wealthfront is seeking a Senior Payroll Manager to join the Finance & Accounting team to build scalable payroll infrastructure. This role focuses on end-to-end payroll operations, compliance, and cross-functional partnership with HR, Legal, and Finance departments. The position requires a detail-oriented professional to manage equity-related tasks, tax mobility, and process improvements in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Process semi-monthly payroll and complex deductions
  • Manage equity taxation (RSUs, Stock Options, ESPP)
  • Ensure tax compliance and resolve agency inquiries
  • Perform year-end reconciliations and payroll audits
  • Streamline payroll workflows and automate manual tasks

Required Skills

  • 4-6 years of payroll/accounting experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting
  • Expertise in U.S. GAAP and compliance
  • Proficiency in payroll systems (ADP/Namely/Dayforce)
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills

Job Details

Responsibilities: - Responsible for timely and accurate processing of the semi-monthly payroll, including the upload of payroll data, maintenance of personnel records, and processing of complex deductions such as levies and garnishments. - Responsible for all equity-related payroll tasks, including the taxation of stock options, RSUs, and ESPP. - Lead the payroll processing for tax mobility to ensure compliance with varying tax jurisdictions. - Work closely with our payroll provider to ensure accurate tax returns. - Prepare and review payroll and tax amendments, auditing the work performed by the payroll provider for accuracy. - Perform comprehensive year-end reports reconciliations to ensure accuracy. - Communicate directly with state agencies to resolve tax notices and inquiries. - Responsible for payroll related audit requests. - Perform large-scale data mapping to prepare specialized reports for senior management regarding payroll costs and tax liabilities. - Responsible for payroll related journal entries and ensuring proper accounting treatment under U.S. GAAP. - Consult with appropriate vendors and Human Strategy to resolve employee issues. - Collaborate with Human Strategy to streamline workflows, leveraging technology to enhance data integrity, automate manual tasks, and improve employee experience. - Research and resolve payroll-related issues and other payroll tasks, as requested. Requirements: - 4-6 years of relevant experience in payroll or related accounting/finance roles. - Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA preferred. - Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and compliance requirements. - Hands-on experience with payroll systems (e.g., Namely/ADP/Dayforce preferred). - Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, NetSuite, Bill.com, and Expensify (or similar systems). - Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to communicate clearly at all levels of the organization. - Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset. - High ethical standards and commitment to data accuracy and confidentiality. - Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. - Enthusiasm for leveraging technology to improve business processes. - Collaborative, customer-centric approach with a strong team orientation.