Global Payroll Leader: AI-Driven, Scalable Compliance

Watershed; United States; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

In-office 4 days/week

Job summary

Watershed is seeking a seasoned payroll leader to own our end-to-end payroll globally, starting with the US and UK and expanding to additional geographies. You will design and scale controls, calendars, SOPs, and automation, while collaborating with People Ops, Accounting, Legal, and Revenue Operations.

You will partner with in-country providers and EORs, manage payroll data flows to the GL, and oversee taxes, deductions, and equity-related payroll activities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in payroll, or finance/accounting with payroll ownership
• Hands-on US & UK payroll experience; exposure to Mexico/Australia/Germany is a plus
• Experience working with an EOR/PEO to cover countries without a local entity
• Experience with Rippling payroll integrations to GL
• Familiar with equity/payroll mechanics and confidentiality requirements

Responsibilities

• Build and own the global payroll function, with scalable processes, calendars, and controls
• Manage in-country payroll providers and EOR partners across multiple countries
• Oversee payroll configuration in Rippling and ensure clean data flow to theGL
• Administer deductions, retirement contributions, and 401(k) remittances
• Support payroll journal entries, month-end close, and audits with documentation

Skills

Payroll leadership

Global payroll

US & UK payroll

AI in payroll

Process automation

Tools

Rippling

Job description

Watershed is seeking a seasoned payroll leader to own our end-to-end payroll globally, starting with the US and UK and expanding to additional geographies. You will design and scale controls, calendars, SOPs, and automation, while collaborating with People Ops, Accounting, Legal, and Revenue Operations.

You will partner with in-country providers and EORs, manage payroll data flows to the GL, and oversee taxes, deductions, and equity-related payroll activities.