Payroll Manager

Madrona Venture Labs; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

iSpot.tv is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead full-cycle domestic payroll with ADP, ensure tax compliance, and design scalable processes. This role blends hands-on management with automation and AI-driven improvements to drive efficiency and global scalability.

You will partner with HR, Legal, and the GL team to ensure accurate data flow and timely regulatory reporting, while delivering high-quality service to employees.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of payroll administration with hands-on ADP experience.
• Experience designing payroll processes in a fast-growing tech environment.
• Deep understanding of federal/state/local payroll tax regulations.
• Analytical mindset with proactive problem solving.
• Ability to leverage AI and automation for real-time visibility.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance; CPP is a plus.

Responsibilities

• End-to-End ownership of domestic payroll processing with ADP.
• Direct payroll tax/compliance efforts across multi-state registrations.
• Design scalable SOPs for payroll workflows; move to automated processing.
• Identify and deploy AI-driven tools to streamline payroll tasks.
• Lead payroll function as a high-touch advisory service for queries.
• Own ADP and HRIS system audits and configuration updates.
• Collaborate with HR, Legal, and GL to ensure data flow for audits.

Skills

Payroll leadership

ADP expertise

Compliance

Automation & AI

Data integrity

Communication

Problem solving

Tech savvy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

CPP designation

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

NetSuite ERP

Job description

Immigration / Work Authorization Notice: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. iSpot is not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position at this time.

iSpot competes for the best talent. Our compensation packages consist of salary and equity in one of Seattle’s hottest start-ups, as well as other standard benefits. Most importantly, we provide a really interesting working experience, and the chance to contribute to the success of something great.

What You’ll Be Part Of:

Join a team on a high-growth trajectory. At iSpot.tv, our company mission is to Accelerate Growth with AI-Driven Unified Video Ad Measurement. You will achieve this as part of the accounting team by accelerating iSpot’s growth through fiduciary responsibility, real-time financial visibility, operational excellence, and investor trust.

As the Payroll Manager, you are not just an operator; you are the strategic architect of our payroll engine. We are seeking industry-best talent who doesn't just record data but actively builds the future of our financial function. This role is a leadership platform for innovation; you will play a key part in identifying, designing, and implementing cutting‑edge automation and AI‑driven process improvements to drive massive efficiency and global scalability.

Responsibilities:

• End-to-End Ownership: Oversee and manage full‑cycle domestic payroll processing with expert‑level precision using ADP, ensuring absolute accuracy in employee compensation
• Compliance & Tax Strategy: Direct all payroll tax/compliance efforts, including multi‑state registrations, tax notice resolution, and proactive monitoring of changing labor laws
• Process Architecture: Design, optimize, and implement scalable SOPs for payroll workflows, moving from manual intervention to automated, "touchless" processing where possible
• AI Implementation: Strategically identify and deploy AI‑driven tools (e.g., for automated data validation, employee inquiry chatbots, or policy analysis) to streamline payroll tasks
• Service Excellence: Lead the payroll function as a high‑touch internal advisory service, resolving complex payroll and tax queries with a focus on speed and clarity
• System Optimization: Serve as the primary business owner for ADP and integrated HRIS tools, leading system audits and configuration updates to support company growth
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with HR, Legal, and the GL team to ensure seamless data flow for payroll accounting and assist with audit requests and regulatory reporting

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• Payroll Leadership & ADP Expertise: 7+ years of experience in payroll administration with extensive, hands‑on knowledge of ADP (Workforce Now preferred), including experience leading or managing the payroll function
• The "Builder" Mindset: Proven experience designing payroll processes and setting up systems in a fast‑paced, high‑growth tech environment
• Compliance Expert: Deep understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and experience resolving complex compliance issues
• Problem Solver: Exceptional analytical skills with a proactive mindset
• Tech Savvy: A drive to use AI and automation to provide the real‑time visibility the business needs
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills to act as a trusted advisor to employees and stakeholders
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation is a significant plus

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in SaaS or high‑growth tech industries
• Experience with NetSuite ERP integration
• Public company or IPO‑readiness experience

If you don't feel you met every single requirement for the role, don't rule yourself out. Please apply anyway!

iSpot is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our HR team.

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