Global Payroll Lead – AMER & Equity Ops

Datadog; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Stock equity (RSUs) & ESPP

Career development opportunities

Best in breed onboarding

Mentor and buddy program

Job summary

Datadog is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage payroll processing and reporting for the Americas, including coordination with PEOs and equity transactions. You will work closely with People, Finance, Equity, Benefits, and HRIS teams to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.

You will leverage Workday and ADP, support audits, and help scale payroll operations in a fast-growing, hybrid work environment across the Americas and globally.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of payroll processing experience in the Americas (Canada, Mexico, Brazil, US).
• Experience with ADP or Workday payroll systems.
• Knowledge of payroll legislation (SOX, FLSA).
• Proficiency in Excel and Google Sheets (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, SUMIF).
• Excellent written and verbal communication for cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to leverage AI when necessary.
• Sound judgment and discretion handling confidential matters.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage payroll preparation and processing with data accuracy and deadlines.
• Handle government payroll tax withholdings and employer contributions.
• Manage regional payroll partners and PEO, with KPIs.
• Coordinate with APAC and EMEA for global consistency.
• Partner with Benefits team on benefits matters.
• Collaborate with HRIS for configuration and tax settings in Workday.
• Support audits with Finance and implement control improvements.
• Process equity transactions (RSU, NSO, ISO, ESPP) with Equity team.
• Improve internal controls to meet SOX and leverage Workday/AI.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies using Workday data reports.
• Respond to payroll/tax inquiries from employees.
• Maintain payroll records per retention policies.
• Distribute payroll correspondence as needed.

Skills

Payroll processing

ADP/Workday

Excel/Sheets

Communication

Attention to detail

AI usage

Regulatory knowledge

Tools

ADP

Workday

Job description

Datadog is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage payroll processing and reporting for the Americas, including coordination with PEOs and equity transactions. You will work closely with People, Finance, Equity, Benefits, and HRIS teams to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.

You will leverage Workday and ADP, support audits, and help scale payroll operations in a fast-growing, hybrid work environment across the Americas and globally.