Head of Payroll

We're looking for a Director of Payroll to build and lead a modern, scalable payroll function as the company continues rapid growth. This role will own end-to-end payroll operations, oversee a growing payroll team, and serve as the functional owner of Rippling for payroll, time & attendance, and related integrations. You'll also partner closely with Legal, Finance, and Equity Administration to ensure accurate processing of equity compensation across payroll.This is a highly visible role that blends operational excellence, systems leadership, and cross-functional partnership.Compensation is DOE, they are open to Senior Manager OR Director level, 160-210k + EquityWhat You'll DoPayroll Leadership & OperationsOwn end-to-end payroll for a growing, multi-state (and potentially global) employee population, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timelinessLead, mentor, and scale the payroll team, including hiring, training, and developing payroll managers and specialistsEstablish and continuously improve payroll processes, controls, and documentation to support rapid headcount growthServe as the escalation point for complex payroll issues, audits, and employee inquiriesHRIS & Systems Ownership (Rippling)Act as the Payroll owner for Rippling, including configuration, testing, upgrades, and optimizationPartner with People Ops, HRIS, and IT on integrations with benefits, time tracking, finance, and equity platformsDrive automation, reporting, and process efficiencies to reduce manual work and improve data integrityLead payroll-related system implementations, enhancements, and migrations as the company scalesEquity & Compensation ProgramsOversee payroll processing for equity-related compensation, including stock options, RSUs, ESPP, bonuses, and other incentive programsPartner with Finance, Legal, and external equity administrators to ensure accurate taxation and reporting of equity eventsEnsure compliance with federal, state, and international tax requirements related to equity compensationSupport audits and filings related to equity payroll transactionsCompliance, Controls & PartnershipsEnsure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulationsOwn payroll audits, tax filings, reconciliations, and relationships with external vendors and tax authoritiesPartner closely with Finance on GL reconciliation, accruals, and payroll-related reportingCollaborate with People, Legal, and Total Rewards on policy design, pay programs, and employee communicationsWhat We're Looking For10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership in a high-growth or scaling environmentProven experience building and managing payroll teams through periods of rapid headcount growthDeep hands-on experience with Rippling Payroll and HRIS (required)Strong experience supporting equity compensation programs and payroll tax implicationsExpertise in multi-state payroll complianceStrong project management, systems-thinking, and process improvement skillsAbility to operate at both a strategic and hands-on level in a fast-paced environmentNice to HaveExperience supporting pre-IPO or public company payroll environmentsExposure to SOX controls and payroll-related auditsExperience implementing or scaling HRIS/payroll systemsJ-18808-Ljbffr