Director, Payroll (Fixed Term)

Figma; New York (NY); Remote; USD 198,000 - 288,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is looking for a strategic and hands-on Director of Payroll to lead its Global Payroll team. This temporary role focuses on overseeing payroll processes, ensuring compliance, and driving improvements. You will play a crucial part in preparing for public company readiness and scaling operations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in global payroll leadership, particularly in public companies, and a deep understanding of HRIS systems. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking organization that values growth and collaboration.

Benefits

Equity

Health Benefits

Retirement Plans

Parental Leave

Wellness Benefits

PTO

Stipends

Qualifications

• 10+ years in a global payroll leadership role at a public company.
• Expertise in stock-related payroll transactions with compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead global payroll operations ensuring accurate processing across countries.
• Manage and mentor a team of payroll professionals.

Skills

Global Payroll Leadership

Stock-Related Payroll Transactions

HRIS Systems Integration

SOX Compliance

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Tools

Workday

ADP SmartCompliance

Excel

Google Workspace

Job description

Figma is growing our team of passionate people on a mission to make design accessible to all. Born on the Web, Figma helps entire product teams brainstorm, design, and build better products — from start to finish. Whether it's consolidating tools, simplifying workflows, or collaborating across teams and time zones, Figma makes the design process faster, more efficient, and fun while keeping everyone on the same page. From great products to long-lasting companies, we believe that nothing great is made alone—come make with us!

About the Role

Figma is seeking a strategic and hands-on Director, Payroll to lead its Global Payroll team. This high-impact leadership role will oversee all aspects of a global payroll function, focusing on payroll processes, compliance, and continuous improvements. You will play a critical role in public company readiness, scaling payroll operations to meet regulatory requirements. This role reports to the Senior Director, Assistant Controller.

This is a temporary role for 12 months, based in the United States, available remotely or from one of our US hubs.

What You'll Do

1. Lead global payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing across countries and PEO arrangements.
2. Manage and mentor a team of four payroll professionals, fostering development and high performance.
3. Drive process improvements and standardization to support scalability and compliance.
4. Collaborate with People Operations, HRIS, Benefits, Accounting, Equity, and Tax teams on payroll initiatives.
5. Support public company readiness by enhancing controls, documentation, and reporting per SOX and regulatory standards.
6. Create and enforce payroll policies and procedures to ensure compliance and operational consistency.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in a global payroll leadership role at a public company.
• Expertise in processing stock-related payroll transactions, including stock options, RSUs, and ESPPs, with compliance.
• Deep understanding of HRIS systems and payroll system integration.
• Experience with SOX compliance, control documentation, and audit readiness.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in high-growth tech or SaaS environments.
• Proficiency with Workday, ADP SmartCompliance, Excel, and Google Workspace.
• Certifications like CPP or GPMI are a plus.

Our Values & Culture

At Figma, we believe in growing as you go. We hire curious, eager learners and encourage applications even if your experience doesn't align perfectly. You might be just the right fit for this or other roles.

Pay Transparency & Benefits

The annual base salary range for roles in SF/NY hubs is $198,000–$288,000 USD. Compensation depends on qualifications, experience, location, and other factors. We offer equity, health benefits, retirement plans, parental leave, wellness benefits, PTO, stipends, and more. Details may change over time.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

Figma celebrates diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. We provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Please contact [e-mail] for assistance. We require candidates to keep cameras on during video interviews and attend in-person onboarding if hired.