Senior Payroll Manager
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.