Payroll Lead

Credo; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Medical benefits

Hybrid (San Jose, CA)

Job summary

Credo is seeking a Payroll Lead to own day-to-day payroll for the AMER region (US and Canada) and our EOR workforce, reporting to the Sr. Manager, Global Payroll. This role blends payroll accuracy with system implementations and process improvements, with strong Excel usage and AI-enabled enhancements.

Hybrid role based in San Jose, CA, with a base salary range of $95,000–$140,000 per year and eligibility for a discretionary bonus plus comprehensive benefits. 15% travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Advanced Excel skills with pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP used for payroll reconciliation, audit, and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of US payroll processing including federal, state, and local tax withholding.
• Deep understanding of US and Canada payroll requirements including filings, deductions, and processing cycles.
• Ability to act as initial reviewer to catch errors before payroll finalization.
• Experience supporting EOR payroll processing and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the initial reviewer for US and Canada payroll cycles to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of US/Canada payroll regulations and tax withholding.
• Support Employer of Record (EOR) payroll processing for NA team.
• Lead or support special payroll projects, system implementations, and process redesigns.
• Build reconciliations and reports in Excel using pivot tables and lookup functions.
• Collaborate with Payroll Sr. Manager, Finance, and People teams to align processes.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries with clear communication.
• Document payroll procedures to support expansion into new countries/jurisdictions.
• Identify opportunities to apply AI-enabled tools in payroll.
• Travel up to 15% may be required.

Skills

Advanced Excel

US payroll knowledge

Canada payroll knowledge

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Excel

Job description

We’re looking for a Payroll Lead who will own day‑to‑day payroll operations for the AMER region (US and Canada) and our Employer of Record (EOR) workforce. This role reports to the Sr. Manager, Global Payroll. In addition to reviewing North America payroll, the Payroll Lead is a key contributor to global payroll operations and advancement projects including system implementations, process improvements, and the initiatives that support our growing organizational footprint. This role is for the self‑proclaimed payroll nerd - a highly cross‑functional, detail‑driven person comfortable owning review and sign‑off responsibilities, working confidently in Excel, introducing AI into payroll practices, and communicating clearly with our customers: employees, Finance, and global stakeholders. Base salary range is $95,000–$140,000 a year. The base salary offer will depend on factors such as education, experience, training, skills, qualifications, and location. This position is also eligible for a discretionary bonus and a full range of medical and other benefits. Location: Prioritizing San Jose, CA (hybrid). This role is preferably based in San Jose in a hybrid capacity; exceptional candidates outside the area will be considered based on overall qualifications and ability to be in office on a frequent basis.

Why Credo

• Purpose:We invest in what matters. From meaningful, future‑shaping projects to competitive compensation, we empower you to grow your career while making a lasting impact.
• People:Connection starts within. We collaborate, celebrate wins, and create an environment where everyone can do their best work.
• Possibilities:Our belief shapes what’s next. As Global Payroll Operations moves to a more consolidated, globally aligned structure, this role has real influence over how payroll scales across new countries and processes.

Basic Qualifications

• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and VLOOKUP (or XLOOKUP), used routinely for payroll reconciliation, audit, and reporting.
• Strong, current knowledge of US payroll processing, including federal, state, and local tax withholding requirements.
• Deep understanding of both US and Canada payroll requirements, including statutory filings, deductions, and processing cycles.
• Demonstrated ability to act as an initial/first‑line reviewer, catching errors and compliance issues before payroll is finalized.
• Ability to support Employer of Record (EOR) payroll processing across the arrangements the N.America team manages.
• Experience leading or providing key support on special payroll projects, such as system implementations or process improvements.
• Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll matters to employees and partners across Finance, HR, and People teams.
• 4+ years of progressive payroll experience, ideally spanning both US and Canada.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with equity/stock transaction processing and related payroll tax treatment (RSUs, ESPP, options).
• Experience in broader global payroll operations beyond North America.
• Working knowledge of Canada and/or Singapore payroll requirements.
• Familiarity with AI‑enabled payroll, reconciliation, or workflow automation tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the initial reviewer for US and Canada payroll cycles, validating data for accuracy and compliance prior to final sign‑off.
• Maintain deep, current knowledge of US and Canada payroll regulations, tax withholding rules, and statutory requirements.
• Support Employer of Record (EOR) payroll processing, ensuring accurate handling of EOR‑managed employees.
• Lead and/or provide key support on special payroll projects, including system implementations, process redesign, and M&A payroll integration.
• Build and maintain Excel‑based reconciliations, audits, and reporting using pivot tables and VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP.
• Partner closely with the Sr. Manager, Global Payroll, and cross‑functional Finance, and People teams on payroll accuracy, compliance, and process alignment.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries with clear, timely communication.
• Document payroll procedures and controls to support consistency as we continue to expand operations to new countries/jurisdictions.
• Identify and recommend process improvements, including opportunities to apply AI‑enabled tools where relevant.
• 15% travel may be required

About Credo

Credo’s mission is to transform connectivity at scale through fast, reliable, and energy‑efficient system solutions. Our high‑speed copper and optical interconnect products deliver industry‑leading power and performance at up to 1.6T to meet the ever‑expanding data infrastructure demands of AI. Our product portfolio includes ZeroFlap (ZF) Active Electrical Cables (AECs) and ZF optical transceivers, OmniConnect memory solutions, and a suite of retimers and DSPs for optical and copper Ethernet and PCIe, all leveraging the PILOT diagnostic and analytics software platform. Credo innovations enable our customers to connect the systems that connect the world. Credo is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, email [e-mail].