NYC-Based Finance Controller — Global Payroll & Stock Options

Empathy; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Premium healthcare

401(k) with up to 4% match

Annual retreats

Team lunches at NYC office

Remote employee stipend

Job summary

Empathy, a mission-driven company in New York City, is seeking a seasoned Payroll & Finance Partner to lead US payroll and cross-border compensation initiatives. You will partner with our PEO/EOR, ensure multi-state tax compliance, and drive data-driven insights across Finance, Ops, and Revenue.

Based in NYC, the role combines hands-on payroll work with strategic finance responsibilities and a hybrid office schedule.

Qualifications

• CPA or CPA-track candidate.
• Experience in a startup, high-growth, or SaaS environment.
• Familiarity with expense platforms or close software.
• Experience with international payroll or working with global EOR/PEO partners.
• Comfort with multi-state tax environments and evolving compliance needs.
• This role will be based in NYC and able to work from our Flatiron office 3x per week.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure accuracy of financial data across departments.
• Support the preparation of internal financial reports, forecasting processes, and variance analyses.
• Lead US payroll processing, ensuring timely and accurate payroll runs, in coordination with our PEO and internal stakeholders.
• Work closely with our PEO on all finance-related matters, including benefits reporting, payroll adjustments, and compliance.
• Manage state and local tax filings and registrations where self-service is required.
• Act as a finance partner to our Employer of Record (EOR) and other external providers supporting our global workforce.
• Support the design, administration, and analysis of incentive compensation plans across multiple functions, including Sales, Customer Success, and other GTM teams.
• Partner closely with RevOps and business stakeholders on Salesforce-related processes, data quality, reporting, and operational workflows.
• Collaborate with Marketing to analyze performance metrics, campaign effectiveness, ROI, and key business KPIs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, People, Revenue, RevOps, and Marketing teams to support data-driven decision making and operational excellence.

Skills

Startup experience

International payroll

Global EOR/PEO coordination

Multi-state tax familiarity

Expense platforms experience

Education

CPA or CPA-track candidate

Job description

Empathy, a mission-driven company in New York City, is seeking a seasoned Payroll & Finance Partner to lead US payroll and cross-border compensation initiatives. You will partner with our PEO/EOR, ensure multi-state tax compliance, and drive data-driven insights across Finance, Ops, and Revenue.

Based in NYC, the role combines hands-on payroll work with strategic finance responsibilities and a hybrid office schedule.